After hashtags calling for the boycott of Indian products began trending on Twitter in Arab countries over derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal, India’s ruling party suspended Sharma and expelled Jindal. The two also issued public apologies after the reaction from the Arab world. Qatar, Kuwait, and Iran have summoned Indian envoys while Saudi Arabia and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have issued statements against the two BJP spokespersons.
World should take note and severely reprimand India: Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the derogatory remarks recently made by two leaders of India’s BJP against the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
PM Sharif wrote: “Have said it repeatedly India under Modi is trampling religious freedoms and persecuting Muslims. The world should take note & severely reprimand India.”
He added that Muslims’ love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is supreme and that all Muslims can sacrifice their lives for the love and respect of their Prophet (PBUH).
Pakistan Armed Forces strongly condemn blasphemous remarks by Indian officials
The official media wing of the Pakistan army condemned the derogatory remarks of the BJP leaders. “The outrageous act is deeply hurtful and clearly indicates extreme level of hate against Muslims and other religions in India.”
Indian chargé d’affaires summoned by Pakistan
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took to Twitter and said, “Indian Cd’A summoned to convey Pakistan’s rejection and strong condemnation of the derogatory remarks by BJP officials against Prophet Muhammad PBUH. BJP leadership and GOI must condemn the sacrilegious comments and hold those responsible to account.”
Pakistan condemns India
Pakistan has strongly condemned the disrespectful remarks recently made by two senior officials of India’s ruling party BJP, disrespecting the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
“These totally unacceptable remarks have not only deeply hurt the sentiments of the people of Pakistan but of billions of Muslims around the world,” read the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“BJP’s attempted clarification and belated and perfunctory disciplinary action against these individuals cannot assuage the pain and anguish they have caused to the Muslim world. Muslims residing in India are equally outraged by the completely repugnant comments by the two BJP officials. The ensuing communal violence in Kanpur and in other parts of India bears testimony to this fact.”
Pakistan urged India to ensure that decisive and demonstrable action is taken against those responsible for making derogatory remarks and attacking the dignity of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). India must also take immediate steps to protect its minorities from human rights violations, ensure their safety, security, and well-being and allow them to profess and practice their faiths in peace.
“Pakistan once again calls on the international community to take immediate cognisance of the grievously aggravating situation of Islamophobia in India. India must be held accountable for stifling the rights of the minorities, especially Muslims, to practice their faith and religious beliefs,” said the Foreign Office spokesperson.
Arab world’s condemnation over derogatory remarks
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar summoned the Indian Ambassador and handed over an official note on Qatar’s total rejection and condemnation of the remarks of Sharma and Kumar.
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian ambassador and handed him an official protest note expressing the State of Kuwait’s rejection and denunciation of the controversial remarks made by an official in the ruling party in India against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Islam, and Muslims.
Saudi Arabia described the spokesperson’s comments as “insulting” and called for “respect for beliefs and religions”, according to a foreign ministry statement.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also condemned the remarks, saying they came in a “context of intensifying hatred and abuse towards Islam in India and systematic practices against Muslims”.
