PM for NA resolution on BJP leaders’ ‘prophet remarks’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked for a resolution by the National Assembly in response to Islamophobic remarks made by the leaders of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) drawing widespread condemnation.

In a tweet on Saturday, the premier asked the NA speaker to allow the lower house to hold a discussion on the Islamophobic comments on Monday. “We strongly condemn the twaddle by the BJP leader,” he said on Twitter.

The premier said the blasphemous remarks by the far-right Indian politicians hurt the sentiments of over 1 billion Muslims across the world.

Shehbaz said the National Assembly should pass a resolution against the leaders of the ruling party in India and added the resolution will “send a clear message to the world that we are ready to render any sacrifice” for the sake of the sanctity of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).

Earlier this month, Senate had passed a unanimous resolution against these remarks. PPP Senator Saleem Mandviwalla had tabled the resolution. The Senate had expressed its strong commitment to defending the dignity of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) at national, regional, and international fora.

Like Pakistan, the rest of the Muslim world also condemned India and sought action against the individuals who made such blasphemous comments.

Furthermore, the controversy has strained India’s relationship with the Gulf countries, which are outraged by the insulting remarks. Some Arab countries have called for a boycott of Indian products.

Meanwhile, India is struggling to control the damage and countries like Qatar are seeking a public apology over the incident.

The ruling BJP suspended its spokeswoman Nupur Sharma and expelled Delhi media cell head Naveen Kumar Jindal and issued directions to the party leaders to refrain from making remarks that would hurt the religious sentiments of people.