In a recent press release issued by the Foreign Office (FO), Pakistan has expressed its strong condemnation for the desecration of the Holy Quran in the Netherlands. This incident occurred when a Dutch far-right activist trampled on and tore up a copy of the Holy Quran during a demonstration outside the Turkish embassy in The Hague.
The Incident and Dutch Government’s Response
The Dutch government had previously condemned the demonstration ahead of the event, but it stated that it had no legal powers to prevent it from taking place. The far-right activist, Edwin Wagensveld, who leads the Dutch branch of the group Pegida, was accompanied by two other individuals. The act of tearing up pages from the Quran infuriated counter-protesters, who began throwing stones at Wagensveld. The police intervened to control the situation and prevent any further escalation.
Pakistan’s Response and Call for International Support
The FO has condemned this “provocative and deeply offensive act,” emphasizing that it has deeply hurt the sentiments of the global Muslim community and poses a threat to peaceful coexistence and inter-religious harmony. Pakistan has expressed its concerns to the authorities in the Netherlands, urging them to be mindful of the sentiments of Muslims worldwide and take necessary steps to prevent such “hateful and Islamophobic acts.” The FO has also called upon the international community to raise its voice against Islamophobia and work collectively to promote interfaith harmony.
Furthermore, the FO has highlighted that such offensive acts cannot be justified under the pretext of freedom of expression, opinion, or protest. International law obliges states to prevent and prohibit deliberate incitement to hatred, discrimination, and violence based on religion or belief. In this context, Pakistan reaffirms that freedom of expression comes with responsibilities, and it is the responsibility of national governments and the international community to prevent racist, xenophobic, and Islamophobic acts. The FO reminds that the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in 2022, designating March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
Similar Incidents and Consequences
Similar incidents of the desecration of the Holy Quran have occurred in other European countries, causing anger, condemnation, and unrest in several Muslim-majority countries. In late July, two individuals set fire to a copy of the Quran in front of the Swedish parliament, and Denmark has also witnessed similar incidents earlier this year.
Pakistan’s condemnation of these actions highlights the need for respect, tolerance and understanding among different faiths and calls upon the international community to actively promote interfaith harmony and combat Islamophobia.