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March 29, 2024
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EditorialPutin’s words on blasphemy

Putin’s words on blasphemy

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statement that insulting the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) and other religious figures is not the freedom of expression, but a serious violation of religious freedom, is a welcome step not only in the Islamic world but for all circles that believe in the highest human values. Putin told an annual press conference that the freedom of expression and artistic freedom do not give a license to anyone to insult other religious figures, including the Prophet of Islam (PBUH). The Russian president’s views hold significance, and it may also become Russia’s new government policy as well. For a long time, Prime Minister Imran Khan has been saying on world forums that artistic freedom or freedom of expression has its limits and that no one else’s freedom should be violated. Insulting religious figures is a violation of religious freedom and hurts the feelings of their followers. Since the attack on the Paris office of the magazine, which published insulting sketches, the world has been divided on the issue of the limits of freedom of expression.

Toeing the line of Imran Khan, Putin says that Russia, being a multi-religious country, respect every individuals’ choice of religion, but such respect is rare in many countries. The Russian president’s statement comes at a time when life has become unbearable for Muslims and other minorities in many countries, including India, and ideologies such as the clash of civilizations have been fueled by decades of war against Muslims. Recently, there was a three-day ‘Dharam Sansand’ gathering in India’s Haridwar city where speakers called for genocide of the Muslims in India. There have been several incidents of insult of religions and religious leaders and burning of the Holy Quran around the world. In his address to the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Imran Khan drew the attention of the international community to the issue and from time to time drew the attention of the world towards interfaith tolerance. Voices from Russia would strengthen his position. Welcoming President Putin’s statement, Prime Minister Imran Khan has reiterated that “insulting the Holy Prophet does not fall into the category of freedom of expression”.

The Russian president’s statement should be welcomed by political, religious and social leaders and minority leaders of Pakistan and the world of Islam. How good it would be if the leaders of the Islamic world, through their contacts with the leaders of different countries, including Russia, try to make the international law of respect for religions at the level of the United Nations. A world free from hateful acts and provocations would be a peaceful world.

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