Pakistan has expressed its strong condemnation for yet another act of desecration of the Holy Quran in The Netherlands. The Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan issued a press release calling upon the European country to take swift action against these “hateful and Islamophobic acts”.
The incident involved Dutch far-right activist Edwin Wagensveld, who leads the Dutch branch of the far-right group Pegida. Wagensveld desecrated the Holy Quran in front of the embassies of Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia in The Hague, “insulting Islam and Muslims”. Pakistan described this deliberate act as deeply offensive and hurtful to the sentiments of Muslims worldwide.
Pakistan emphasized that such actions cannot be justified under the guise of freedom of expression, opinion, or protest. The country urged the Dutch authorities to be mindful of the sentiments of Pakistanis and Muslims globally, and take active steps to prevent such acts. Pakistan believes that freedom of expression comes with responsibilities, and national governments should actively prevent acts that incite religious hatred and Islamophobia.
The FO highlighted the importance of the international community raising its voice against Islamophobia and working together to promote interfaith harmony. It referenced the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution in 2022, marking March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, as an example of the commitment to combatting hatred towards Muslims.
Saudi Arabia also condemned the incident, stating that it promotes hatred, exclusion, and racism, contradicting international efforts to promote tolerance, moderation, and the rejection of extremism. Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi called for urgent and effective international steps to confront such aggressive and provocative actions against Muslims.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) criticized the “provocative act” and called on Dutch authorities to take necessary measures to prevent its recurrence.
Similar incidents of the Holy Quran’s desecration have taken place in other European countries recently. These demonstrations have sparked anger and unrest in several Muslim countries. Muslim leaders addressing the United Nations General Assembly last week berated the West over such acts.
It is crucial for countries to respect and protect the religious sentiments of individuals and communities, promoting tolerance and understanding among diverse populations.