Several rallies took place in Pakistan to condemn the desecration of the Holy Quran by an Iraqi national in Sweden. Organized by Tehreek-i-Labaik Pakistan (TLP), the ‘Tahafuz-i-Quran’ rally was led by Emir Punjab Pir Syed Inayyatul Haq Shah Sultanpuri and attended by prominent figures such as Haji Mohammad Ramzan Chishti and Sahibzada Abdul Rehman Sialvi. Participants carried banners and placards with slogans against Sweden and in favor of Islam. Speakers expressed their outrage over the incident and demanded a boycott of Swedish products and the expulsion of the Swedish envoy from Pakistan.
Sunni Tehreek and Jamaat-i-Islami Also Protest Quran Desecration
Pakistan Sunni Tehreek and Jamaat-i-Islami organized separate rallies in Rawalpindi to denounce the Quran desecration. Allama Tahir Iqbal Chishti, a prominent figure in the Sunni Tehreek rally, emphasized that disrespecting the Holy Quran is not an expression of freedom. Dr. Tariq Saleem, the leader of Jamaat-i-Islami, urged the international community to play a vital role in promoting peace and emphasized the sanctity of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and Islamic teachings. The District Bar Association and Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) employees also participated in the rallies.
Calls for Punishment and International Action
The Rawalpindi Arts Council organized a protest rally, demanding severe punishment for the culprit responsible for the Quran desecration. Director Waqar Ahmad stressed that religious tolerance, mutual respect, and civility should prevail, as the desecration of the Holy Quran is an act of hatred that cannot be tolerated. Mohammad Suleman, Assistant Director of the Arts Council, highlighted the need for action against Islamophobia, stating that discrimination against Muslims should not be allowed. The rallies were joined by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Sitara Market traders, who burned the Swedish flag and called on the government to address the issue at the United Nations.
