Foreign Secretary apprises P-5, OIC Envoys on derogatory remarks by Indian BJP Spokespersons

ISLAMABAD, June 07 (SABAH): Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood individually met the Envoys of the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council (P-5) in Islamabad, today, to apprise them of the derogatory and offensive remarks made by two senior officials of India’s ruling party BJP, against the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

Recalling the special responsibility of the P-5 countries regarding the maintenance of international peace and security and upholding of the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, the Foreign Secretary called upon them to take cognizance of this abhorrent development, the growing hate speech, and the rising tide of Islamophobia in India.

The Foreign Secretary underscored that the BJP’s perfunctory and token disciplinary action against these individuals will not assuage the hurt they have caused to Muslims worldwide. Noting the clear and consistent pattern of state-sanctioned persecution of Muslims, the Foreign Secretary added that the failure of the BJP leadership and the Indian Government to unequivocally condemn the recent sacrilegious comments was yet another proof of the impunity enjoyed by ‘Hindutva’ zealots. He stressed that India must be urged to take decisive and demonstrable actions against those responsible. India should also be held accountable for stifling the rights of its religious minorities, especially its Muslim population, and urged to ensure full protection of their fundamental rights and freedoms.

Meanwhile Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood also met the OIC Ambassadors in Islamabad and briefed them on the developments regarding the highly derogatory remarks by two senior officials of India’s ruling party BJP, towards Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The Foreign Secretary noted the statement issued by the General Secretariat of the OIC on 5 June, which strongly condemned and denounced the offensive remarks, echoing the sentiment expressed by OIC Member States. He highlighted the OIC’s role in promoting the rights and fundamental freedoms of the Muslim Ummah around the world. The Foreign Secretary added that the strong reaction from the OIC countries to such totally unacceptable actions was natural, given the Muslims’ love and reverence for the Holy Prophet (pbuh).

The Foreign Secretary underlined the importance for the international community to take cognizance of the rising tide of Islamophobia in India. He added that India must be held accountable for stifling the rights of its religious minorities, especially the Muslim population, which is the victim of hate speech, persecution and violence perpetrated under state patronage. The Foreign Secretary highlighted the special role of the OIC in this regard.