Disrespecting others' religion is not 'freedom of speech': Ch Nisar
75
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan condemned French magazine Charlie Hebdo for publishing offensive cartoons depicting Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and said "people who in the name of freedom are spreading hate are no better than terrorists".
Nisar was addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday. "The resolution [adopted by the National Assembly] condemned their so-called freedom of disrespecting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Islam," he said.
Read: NA adopts resolution against blasphemous Charlie Hebdo cartoons
Nisar said that Pope Francis has also condemned Charlie Hebdo for publishing those caricatures. "If religious beliefs of others are not given respect then it will only promote terrorism.
"People of Paris should have protested against the cartoons the same way they protested against the attack on Charlie Hebdo," he added.
Speaking on the government's plan to counter the scourge of extremism and implementation of the National Action Plan, the interior minister said that it's time for every citizen to play his or her part for the country.
"We all can play our part on an individual level," he said. "Everyone should be clear that it will be a much longer war ... this war will not be limited to just one or two attacks."
"We cannot even of think of attacking children, we just want to defend our country," Nisar said, stressing on the point that the government's action would be solely against terrorists.
"We want to make this country a land of peace. We want to live by the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)," he said.
Nisar said that all parties are on the same page and that representatives of madressahs were also a part of the National Action Plan.
He admitted that the 21st Constitutional Amendment has resulted in a rift among the political parties, but was quick to mention that both the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), were in complete support of the National Action Plan.
"We will try to erase their reservations regarding the 21st Constitutional Amendment as well," he added, clarifying that the parties' reservations pertain to "technicalities".
Nisar told reporters that it has also been agreed upon that no madressah will be targeted without evidence. "I repeat it again that more than 90 per cent of the madressahs are not involved in any kind of suspicious or terrorist activity," the interior minister said.
Nisar said that all religious leaders have assured the government that they stand with the people of Pakistan in the country's war against terrorism.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (75) Closed
Jan 17, 2015 07:41pm
Dear Minister! Say few words about disrespect to Ahmedis in your own country.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 07:50pm
Do you really care about freedom of speech in Pakistan?
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 07:52pm
Are they really disrespecting religion? They had made cartoon to show that all is forgiven and showing grief on current affairs of society.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 07:55pm
"Disrespecting others' religion is not 'freedom of speech':" Mr. Nisar first establish this norm in your country and then preach for others.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 07:59pm
I strongly believe in the freedom of speech, thoughts and ideas. However, disrespecting any religion should not be allowed or accepted by any society.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 08:08pm
Falling to old ways if someone wants to make someone terrorist simply insult his religion sad and sorry such statement coming from a minister, when the nation claims to waging a war against terrorism. There are other ways to deal with such religious insults
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 08:10pm
Whether or not this is "free speech" is a matter of debate. Muslims can carry the religion to a point of making themselves ridiculous to Western eyes. Islam can be a religion of extremes in many ways, especially among the desperately poor.
Nisar is right that these cartoons will, and already have caused more terror around the world.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 08:22pm
Sir,would you be able to speak for the minorty sects of pakistan!would you be strong to stand up for them!
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 08:25pm
What about freedom of speech against Ahmadis?what about provoking people against Ahmadis on television by so-called scholars?
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 08:28pm
100% correct. Freedom of speech does not give freedom to attack or insult other religions. Freedom of speech has its limitation. For peaceful coexistance and harmoney in the world, all should respect others religions and avoid doing any thing that hurts or insults other people.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 08:33pm
What religion do JUI-F and JI follow (being religious parties) which makes them less impervious to the pain felt by each and every Pakistani - very large majority following Islam - thus keeping them least bothered at the slaughter of innocent children and more concerned with their own identities.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 08:39pm
@Abdul Hai : He says what he is told to say.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 08:43pm
Freedom of speech has limits as freedom of expression has,throwing a stone on someone or slapping someone is not freedom of expression.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 08:44pm
I respectfully disagree with the specific thought expressed by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan: "If religious beliefs of others are not given respect then it will only promote terrorism." If the religious beliefs of others are not respected then do everything possible to promote better understanding, to protest it and to negate it NONVIOLENTLY. Terrorism should not to be espoused for any cause. There should be unqualified line drawn against violence and terrorism.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 08:50pm
None "should" disrespect other religion, but doing so does not give rights to anyone to justify terrorism. It is going to be a vicious cycle -- offend islam, terrorism by few who has thin skin to kill in the name of god, then more offense of islam will continue, then more terrorism... In the midst of all, innocents life will be lost. Cannot we be little more tolerant like rest of the world evolve to be and don't react just because someone publish something that we don't like. At the end, one can easily ignore a piece of paper, but not when someone is killed!
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 09:00pm
Sorry but Religion isn't above any criticism or satire, blasphemy and apostasy laws are testament of the violation of human rights too.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 09:04pm
You know how other religions are being this disrespected through school education, law and in society in Pakistan!! What a hypocrisy!!
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 09:06pm
Ohh really.....??? what about ahmedis, shias, Hindus, Christians...????? First follow this at home else no one listen you seriously....Come out with strong protest when this happens with persons other than Muslims.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 09:07pm
Yes it is
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 09:17pm
Excellent comment. There are some empty minded people here bashing Minister, what is there problem? who is paying them?
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 09:19pm
@Fawad - A rare but extremely poignant remark.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 09:21pm
Well said its not as if we burn Hindu temples or churches
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 09:30pm
Freedom of speech should have no bounds including religion. In my view it should be the case especially for religion. Pakistan should know this better. Religion has been misused by many people and opinions should float freely to have healthy debate. Without debating and contemplating, societies dont mature.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 09:47pm
If we can caricature the powerful forces like political leadership what is the issue with caricaturing religion? Doublespeak much?
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 09:50pm
Mr nisar first practice what you preach. Minorities in France live much much better than minorities in Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 09:52pm
Disheartening to see how many people in Indian subcontinent cannot even comprehend the idea of freedom of speech. It will take a century or two before our societies can advance to tolerate criticism of religion.
Western society amazes me on how much fundamental progress they have made. Democracy, freedom of speech, secularism, these are very advanced human ideals that are sophisticated beyond what third world countries can currently comprehend.
Insulting a religion may be "immoral", but cannot be banned by Govt. Free ideas lead to development, as that include defying religion and church as Copernicus and Galileo did. 90% people here will not understand such a simple concept.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 09:55pm
These words are coming out when so many lives have been lost. Can muslim representatives protest timely and fruitfully rather than waiting for terrorists to spring up and kill people. All such voices must have been raised when they first printed disrespectful cartoons way back in 2011. Now guns have been raised so the first voice that must be raised is to condemn the violence then trail it with anything else.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 10:06pm
There is Freedom of speech in Pakistan.... thats true.. otherwise all this TV channels and newspapers will not show and write what is written every day.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 10:06pm
Showing disrespect, being insensitive and ridiculing any religion or faith certainly cannot be termed as freedom of speech which may invite different reactions leading to what happened in France. However, Pakistan cannot preach others as its own education curriculum contains hatred element for other religions which needs to be addressed first as the same has resulted in violence against minority communities and treating them second class citizens as well.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 10:09pm
will he say the same about Ahmadis?
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 10:14pm
It is really difficult to appreciate any such comment originating from Pak as the basis of this nation is hatred towards anything which is not as per so called interpretation of Islam. This sounds more hypocritical coming from a Pakistani. It will take along time for Pak to prove its credentials before such comments will be accepted in its "supposedly" true sense
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 10:20pm
Ch. Nisar at least I agree with you on some thing.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 10:24pm
Look who is talking...
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 10:30pm
First practice what you preach. Islam has to start accepting other religions also and be tolerant. Otherwise we will not be able to travel to Europe and USA.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 10:32pm
"Disrespecting others' religion is not 'freedom of speech': Ch Nisar"
That's your opinion. Every country has their laws and as a Muslim, I feel that the cartoons were in bad taste and that's how far it should go. People have no business going around on a shooting spree for a publication.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 10:38pm
Dear Minister,
say ONE word about death sentence of Asia Bibi.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 11:08pm
we should not justify terror ... what ever the provocation.. ultimately it will kill our own childred
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 11:13pm
Oh Mr Minister Sahib please remember there is no tolerance for even minorities let alone any other religion in pakistan other than the sunni brand si even fellow muslims fear for their lives in your country. Pakistanis will need to be humans first and quickly if it is to survive.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 11:18pm
@Mathew ; Yet Pope Francis says he would punch an offender!
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 11:20pm
@Key Points ... good point made well but can pakistanis rightfully claim to respect other religions. History, even most recent, would suggest otherwis. Even Ahmedis are not tolerated in pakistan and you write of respect for religions. Pak will need a miracle to survive at this rate. Clean humane heart will be needed. I feel for the decent people in pakistan only.
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 11:50pm
How about me disrespecting my own religion? is that free speech or not?
Recommend
0
Jan 17, 2015 11:57pm
To mock and despise others beliefs (not the person) is the fundamental right. Please read history on how new religions were born.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 12:32am
Well said; the Government should take up matter at all forums to stop this nonsense at the pretext of so called freedom of expression.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 12:44am
@Ganga Din
The act of the magazine was condemn-able; but no one appreciates the killings as well. The Minister is, however, right in saying that such a provocation leads to creation of more terrorists. Though best way is to show your feelings in a peaceful manner; but you can't control the extremist elements. So main cause is the publication act by the magazine; if there was no such publication there would have been no killing. It is very sad, we must respect others' feelings, why hurt others to earn money?
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 12:55am
@Truth Seeker "Insulting a religion may be "immoral", but cannot be banned by Govt ..........90% people here will not understand such a simple concept." WHAT????? Before making such tall claims, try talking about Holocaust in Europe, and you will see your claims of free speech come crashing down around you!!!
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 12:58am
@Ramesh Try exercising this fundamental right in Germany by talking about Holocaust, and you will find out the STINKING DUAL STANDARDS being followed by the champions of free speech!
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 01:03am
Most people are saying on this forum. Start respecting other people's religion first before preaching to others.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 01:08am
@Raja Agree 100%. There indeed are some pseudo intellectuals who, in their quest to get in the print, are parroting absurd comments, as if this is their last chance to claim, "Oh look what I found." As I mentioned elsewhere, these so-called free speech champions should try exercising this right by talking about Holocaust in the West, or better yet, have Charlie Hebdo venture doing caricature of Holocaust, and they will find out for themselves how SHAMELESSLY these countries only condone freedom of speech against Islam!
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 01:09am
what do you do if a section of people threaten to kill if religion is not respected.Cave in to that threat and embolden that section to encroach upon women's right to wear jeans, not cover their heads drive a car and so on. Gradually but surely they will curtail every freedom like listen and perform music and so on. therefore it is very important in Europe that freedom of speech is defended. I do not expect this to happen in Islamic state but Europeans have to defend otherwise slowly Europe will become middle east.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 01:10am
@Ramesh Wow ........... amazing nuggets of wisdom :-)
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 01:11am
No body is planning to sell Charlie Hebdo in Pakistan. Why are they so worked up.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 01:11am
Ch. Nisar, please only preach what you actually practice in your own country. I suggest that you look at the declaration section of the Pakistan Passport/ID Card application form before you announce in press conferences that people's religious beliefs should be respected. You can also look at Pakistan's 2nd constitutional amendment and go from them there: Pakistan's sovereign government has consistently disrespected the beliefs of others (mostly minorities) de jure as well as de facto. So please don't start talking to the outside world about respecting one another until the government you sit in does the same. Those in glass houses...
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 01:25am
While the statement is good they need to first practice in Pakistan. What about meddling in others faith through the Constitution? Please clean your Constitution first and protect and all the minorities and punish all the hate mongers and blood thirsty mullahs.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 01:43am
@Syed Husain Then you don't strongly believe in freedom of thought and ideas. If your faith can't handle some people mocking you, then you must have a very weak faith.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 01:54am
In the absolute sense freedom of speech does include freedom to ridicule others. However, decency and maturity dictate that this freedom is used judiciously to avoid hurting other people. Unfortunately, there are people in every free society who abuse this freedom and hurt others either wantenly or out of indifference. This group includes writers, painters, cartoonists, religous bigots, racists, extremists, politicians, and hate mongers. How does one respond to such despicable acts without foregoing the good that comes with the freedom to speak? Different societies confront these abusers of freedom differently. Legal action, protests, and boycott are some of the non violent measures tried so far. However, killing someone for insulting one's faith is not the answer and it should never be condoned. As a faith Islam is strong enough to ward off a few ignorant people's attempt to ridicule it. The harm done to the spirit and image of Islam by the Paris killings is more than what those cartoons could ever do. Respecting human life is in the core of any religion and these killings should be condemned and not be justified as a natural response to insulting a religion. Ignoring the cartoons would have been a better response as most people did not even know about them until the huge publicity it got. This has nothing to do with how strong a faith is.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 02:09am
All Muslim countries should record protest in UN.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 02:12am
The defenders, and even advocates of Charlie Hebdo, talk about free speech, but there is no such thing as absolute free speech. You are, for example, not allowed to publish or even look at paedophile images; you are not allowed to be racist and anti-Semitic ; you cannot defame or libel people; and in France and Germany, it is a criminal offence to deny that the Holocaust happened.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 02:24am
Give Respect to Take Respect ... Its a two way street ,,,, Short & Sweet
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 02:42am
@akbarthegreat: I was disappointed in the Pope. As a Christian religious leader, he should have spoken of Jesus's command to turn the other cheek. A lawyer, like myself, might point out that insulting someone's religion is apt to get one a sock in the jaw, but the Pope should not answer as a lawyer. A lawyer versed in freedom of speech would also point out that no insult, however egregious, justifies murder.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 02:47am
Nisar, as a minorty christain along with hindus (whatever little is left of them) we all know too well, what we go through. first practice what you preach.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 03:22am
@Sumair Well said.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 03:24am
@OmKar Singh hypocrisy of the highest order.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 03:34am
@Robinson Varghese 'Look who is talking...' is right.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 03:36am
@Khan O Yeah!! Ask the minorities living in Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 03:38am
@European Yes Mr. Minister! Come on. Say it.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 03:46am
Stop disrespecting, in fact hating, Hinduism in Pakistan's textbooks and many other public domains.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 04:20am
Why our leader awaking almost after 10 days?? We have to wait for Turkey or Iran reaction ??
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 05:03am
@Atul You are wrong about the basis of Pakistan. The basis of Pakistan was the desire of British India's Muslims to live free of Hindu domination and have their social and cultural rights respected. They were afraid that a one-man-one vote system after the Brits left would not over adequate protection. Pakistan was not meant to be a theocracy.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 05:38am
No kiddding!
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 07:01am
Dawn- I am waiting to see my comments published.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 07:08am
Actions speak louder than words.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 07:12am
I think what everyone forgets is we all are Human, bleed the same and we all should make unity instead of hatred. I personally hate the things that are going on in this world and would love to see everyone do what each of our religions teach us, which is love each other. In every country, culture there are some that don't deem things the same as others do, whether through ignorance or from their up bringing. I think we owe it to ourselves and the world to change these things. Differences between us all should give us strength, not cause hatred which promotes violence acts or prejudice against others. I have read some of these posts here and I do not value some of them. Seems some want to attack Pakistan at a time that they are trying to change. Don't hate the positive things in life, support it, embrace it as it betters each and everyone of us. Negativity only fuels hatred and the desire for chaos. This is a time to set aside all of our differences and become united. Throughout the world we all believe in a different religion, but at the end of the day is only 1 true GOD and we all believe in the same GOD. So what really is the problem? Accept what you can not change, forgive often, be patient and understanding, be loving and kind. We all have our paths to Heaven, lets ensure that we ALL make it there. No need for sarcasm or anymore hate, you can't change me no more than I can change you. GOD made us in his own image, so concentrate on that, embrace it and become productive members of this world. We all should cherish each other regardless of our race, religion, where you come from and be free of any discriminatory things. Peace and GOD bless everyone!
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 09:26am
@HumanFirstThenRaika Well, guess what last time I checked I believe Ahmadis are not considered Muslims in the the first place. Why not do a little research before you make such remarks and figure out the facts for a change. There is a valid reason also, Islam has guideline that all who believe in it must follow they are neither strict nor appalling in any way or shape. So I believe you must refer to those who commit such attacks on others to be of extreme nature and that radical people are in every corner of the globe it can take small pebble to hurt someone not as much as a rock would but it would still sting. I am in no way to condemn another religion which many people follow and so do not take my comments offensive as they are not from a closed-minded point of view at all. There are sects in every religion but all follow a similar structure and if there is something written in stone and it is a give that it must be respected in order to be part of that religion well, I guess it must be followed. If in democracy for example, if I say that there is freedom of expression in my country yet my neighbors who are of a minority race, religion, or creed are cast away by others in the community am I not contradicting the very guidelines and structure which I so-called revere, preach and follow so much. That is all I would like to say in order for you to comprehend that a formal education upon a topic rather then reading biased news articles or talk shows can do wonders for you before black-listing a whole people.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 09:48am
While freedom of speech should have some limits Pakistan has no moral grounds unless it can protect and respect all religions and minorities who are being persecuted and discriminated on a daily basis.
Recommend
0
Jan 18, 2015 12:53pm
@Raja. Figment of your imagination
Recommend
0
