Dated: February 29, 2008

 

 

PCHR strongly Condemns irresponsible statement of German Foreign Minister

 

 

Islamabad: Chief Coordinator Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR) Mr. Shafique Chaudhry in a press statement has strongly condemned German Foreign Minister Wolf Gang Showbell comments who in his interview to the German Newspaper stated that the European print media should publish blasphemous caricatures and the freedom of press should not be restricted.

 

Chief Coordinator cited International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights Article 19(3) The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this article carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only such as are provided by law and are necessary; (a) For respect of the rights or reputation of others; (b) For the protection of national security or of public order (order public), or of public health or moral.

 

"On the one hand, Western countries claim to be advanced and civilized nations and, one the other, they indulge in such most uncivilized and immoral practices and justify the same as freedom of expression," he argued.

He said that Muslim was the major community of the world and it would increase tension and chaos between the Muslims and the west. “These offensive attacks may also be a part of game-plan to provoke some persons into violent reaction and attacks on Islam” he told.  He further said that the Western media was constantly propagating against Islam and the Muslim world should collectively make a strategy to combat west anti-Islam west propaganda.

 

He stated that such hateful acts could not be accepted in the name of freedom of expression. “It can also have serious implications for harmonious relations between different religious communities” he stated.

 

He told that freedom of expression was sacred and guaranteed but it could not be allowed to become freedom to insult, slander, libel, abuse and provoke.

 

He said that the German Foreign Minister should be careful to give such statement which directly hits the feeling of Muslims across the world as it would harm the on going process of inter-faith dialogue. He also advised western media to show responsible behavior and do not publish such caricatures which brings about conflict as that cause demonstration all over the Muslim world.

While condemning these efforts he asked the government to take appropriate and effective steps to mobilize the governments and people of all Muslim and peace-loving countries of the world to resort to all necessary diplomatic and other measures to condemn and counter these efforts which threaten peace and harmony among different religions and cultures.

 

 

 

 

PCHR Media Cell,