Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker cancels blasphemous caricatures contest
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Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders has cancelled the planned caricatures contest following "death threats and concerns other people could be put at risk".
In a written statement issued on Thursday night, Wilders said he has decided "not to let the cartoon contest go ahead.”
Wilders, who has for years lived under round-the-clock protection because of death threats sparked by his fierce anti-Islam rhetoric, said he does not want others endangered by the contest he planned for November.
The contest was to have been held at the tightly guarded offices of his Party for Freedom in the Dutch parliament building.
Meanwhile, the Dutch government had been at pains to distance itself from the contest. Prime Minister Mark Rutte last week questioned Wilders' motive for organising the contest.
The announcement regarding the cancellation of the contest comes shortly after Prime Minister Imran Khan issued a statement saying the act was hurting the sentiments of Muslims living all around the world.
Read: PM Khan urges Muslim world to register ‘strong protest’ against caricatures contest
PM Khan urged all Muslim countries to use the platform of United Nations to convey to the western world how Muslims feel when their religious sentiments are repeatedly hurt by disrespecting the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry termed it a victory of the Pakistani nation, saying it was made possible by diplomatic efforts on the directives of PM Khan.
Soon after the announcement, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi held a media talk accompanied by Tehreek-i-Labbaik leaders and requested them to call off their protest and disperse peacefully following the cancellation of the blasphemous contest.
The foreign minister congratulated the nation and Muslim Ummah on their moral victory and termed the cancellation of the contest a victory for Pakistan on the diplomatic front.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (122) Closed
Aug 31, 2018 12:07am
Good decision
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Aug 31, 2018 12:07am
He should read about Islam
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Aug 31, 2018 12:10am
Imran Khan issued a statement just half an hour back and minutes later Geert cancelled the thing. Coincidence? I think not!
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Aug 31, 2018 12:13am
These protestors (only in Pakistan), self-proclaimed protectors of Islam should call it a day now.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:14am
So if his hate speech is his right of freedom of speech, what about rights of those he offends?
He is a hate monger, hate is not freedom of expression but evil and should be stopped by all civilized people of all religions.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:16am
Freedom of speech is a great gift, but we must respect of every faith and not hurt's anyone's sentiments by abusing this gift. Here where I live in Pakistan in Interior Sindh we have lots of Hindus families in our Village and millions of Hindus live with us for thousands of years. I will never eat or touch beef in respect to my beloved Hindu family who I adore so much, it's easy for me to do since I'm a vegetarian, but even my friends and family who eat meat don't eat beef to respect the sentiment of our Hindu families. The Hindu families always do Iftar (breaking of fast in Ramadan) for us Muslims and we celebrate all special religious occasion of our Muslim and Hindu and other faiths together. This makes me cry in happiness that we remained loyal to our beloved fellow villagers no matter which faith we come from. We will always put humanity above every faith.
I have always loved you Holland don't hurt people's emotion you are too good for that.
IndoPakBangla Blood Brothers 4 Life!
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Aug 31, 2018 12:18am
Such a Great News :) TLP hates off to you
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Aug 31, 2018 12:23am
When Imran Khan talks, the world listens. Thanks IK
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Aug 31, 2018 12:24am
great, now TLP has no reason for their march
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Aug 31, 2018 12:26am
Well done Imran Khan.You bowled this guy clean! It just shows you have to deal with pple in a certain manner.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:26am
If holocaust deniers can be put into jail in Europe. Why cant 61 muslim countries can take a solid stance on it.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:29am
Thanks to an efficient diplomatic engagement from Pakistan with the Netherlands Government. Now the TLP protesters heading for Islamabad may please go back. Thank you for your service to the cause.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:31am
Good. Now the TLP crowd can go away and do something useful for a change.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:39am
They are only testing our resolve and unity. This stunt will happen again to see how far they can go. The OIC still should come together to make a solid plan for an imminent response if it happens again.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:41am
Finally, better sense prevailed.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:42am
Imran voices creates ripples all across the Globe this is callled the power of leader and the his influence in key decisions. It make a difference. Only leader of this courage. Hats off
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Aug 31, 2018 12:42am
Awesome! However, Mullahs of Pak will take all the credit for this news and now it gives them another reason to come on streets and create violence in the future.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:43am
This is what happens when one raises his voice against atrocities and injustices. Thanks to our PM Khan and Mr. Rizvi. Sadly this will give a prominence to Khadim Rizvi and he will use his power in the future for a political reason.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:49am
Only stopped because of Pakistan
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Aug 31, 2018 12:50am
TLP will find another excuse to protest on something else. They don’t care about any of this. They just need something to keep them relevant and continue to collect money under false pretence.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:51am
He called it off because a Pakistani man was arrested in Netherlands for plotting an attempt to murder him. PTI and TLP will be claiming it as a victory; which it isn't.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:57am
Yea right!
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Aug 31, 2018 12:58am
Long live Imran Khan, I will compare him to Gazi Salauddin and other great leaders of Islam as he is Sadik and amen.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:59am
Withdrawal of this Dutch right-winger will now encourage our own right-winger TLP leader.
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Aug 31, 2018 01:00am
It is nice this Dutch Gentleman has changed his mind. It indeed was wrong;
BUT isn't it high time; Pakistan did STOP killing so many Christians for the
same crime "Blasphemy. Pakistan just loves this act; and no one; no one; including
the Army have so far made a real effort to STOP it. This also included the inept; no
good United Nations. They all are scared of repercussions.
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Aug 31, 2018 01:01am
This cancellation might not be entirely and only due to PM Imran Khan's efforts to unite Muslim world to go against it in UN has his contribution towards same. Congratulations Muslims world
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Aug 31, 2018 01:01am
Thank you Saudi Arabia!
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Aug 31, 2018 01:02am
Great work by all the muslims.
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Aug 31, 2018 01:04am
Mashallah finally we have a voice, that wants good for everyone.
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Aug 31, 2018 01:07am
Mr. Rizvi and his TLP cohorts can go home now, and look for something else to badger IK with.
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Aug 31, 2018 01:12am
It is pathetic for Imran Khan to pretend that he influenced the cancellation of this silly event by Mr Wilders . IK is an opportunist who is taking credit for something he has not done . The only thing he has done is give a platform to the mullahs and empowered them further
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Aug 31, 2018 01:14am
What was Islamabad’s role in this vs. The Nederlands? I don’t understand it.
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Aug 31, 2018 01:15am
Applaud for the PTI government for protesting and preventing such a disgraceful event.
Jo apni izzat karna seekhe ga puri dunya us ki izzat karna seekhe ghi
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Aug 31, 2018 01:16am
Seems pressure from Imran Khan's government yielded positive result. Hope Dutch government bans Geert Wilders from parliament now.
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Aug 31, 2018 01:16am
Pakistan has nothing to do with the cancelation
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Aug 31, 2018 01:17am
Excellent this is how you deal with these issues. Muslims countries need to stand together
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Aug 31, 2018 01:19am
It is outstanding feat by all those involved in raising their voices to this unnecessary & totally undesirable attempt by the Dutch extreme right wing politician aiming at hurting the religious feelings of the entire Muslim community. I, for one, was convinced of our very capable & seasoned foreign minister to be able to pull the nation through this difficult task & situation fraught with danger of getting out of control, in the event issue remaining unresolved resulting in clash between provoked protester & police/rangers.The PM deserves congratulations too for being able to come out of this extremely sizzling diplomatic, law & order juggernaut successful with flying colors, raising his political stature very high. The nation in the meantime, be praiseful to the Divine power, who bestowed us with his mercy, kindness & compassion for averted this situation from developing into a fiasco reminiscent of recent Faizabad event. It is hoped that TLP will call off their ongoing protest march.
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Aug 31, 2018 01:21am
@RUMI are you in your senses ? It was solely Pakistan Govt efforts . Please learn about diplomacy
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Aug 31, 2018 01:41am
Its not the Dutch government people should have issues with, I said that a week ago, its people like this guy who are responsible for all this mess. why should the people and these protesters be demanding the Ambassadors and diplomats to be kicked out of the country. Every country has their constitution and laws, and they have to remain within those laws to deal with people.
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Aug 31, 2018 01:52am
Thank you TLP, at last Holland bowed to your pressure.
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Aug 31, 2018 01:56am
@Amjad Durrani Engineer USA - well said, I fully endorse your views.
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Aug 31, 2018 01:57am
The whole idea was beyond stupidity
Why, deliberately, does one want to be so irresponsible, immature, and insulting.
What would it have got him?
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Aug 31, 2018 01:57am
Where is Mullah Fazlur Rehman in all of this?
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Aug 31, 2018 02:00am
Bravo. Foreign ministry is reborn.
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Aug 31, 2018 02:02am
And now all credit will be hogged by IK and TLP.
Whereas the fact is, he cancelled contest bcos of some death threats. He doesn't even know something like IK or TLP exists in some corner of eartth
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Aug 31, 2018 02:03am
Commonsense prevailed, as Dutch government realised that Muslim world is angry and means business. PTI government also played a major part in reversing the disgraceful decision - well done Imran Khan, as this was expected from you!
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Aug 31, 2018 02:06am
Apart from pressure created by Pakistan Protest, I think the Dutch Govt also played a role to convince Geert Wilder to Cancel this competition. They have large business stakes in Pakistan including Unilever, Shell, Engro, Phillips, Akzo Nobel and many other businesses. They probably realized the possible impact it could have on their interests in Pakistan and played a role in this.
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Aug 31, 2018 02:09am
This Dutch politician is following Trump’s footsteps to gain political gains through these tactics and he got it if you read his tweet after cancellation.
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Aug 31, 2018 02:11am
Was IK's statement in english? I doubt it played a part in cancellation.
Good news regardless.
The marching molvis will probably take credit for it all.
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Aug 31, 2018 02:14am
Its Saudi Arabia that issued a threat of stopping dutch imports if the cartoon contest goes ahead that caused him to cancel it.
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Aug 31, 2018 02:21am
Fortune smiles on IK. This was to have been his first tough test. May the force be with you Cap.
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Aug 31, 2018 02:45am
How silly PTI supporters are giving credit to Imran Khan for the cancellation of the belasphmaspous event. Yet their own foreign minister Shah Mahmoud Qureshi is telling the world that he was informed by the Duch envoy that it was canceled because of the TLP demonstrations on the streets. Why are PTI supporters contradicting their own foreign minister?
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Aug 31, 2018 02:54am
Wise move and make sure it does NOT happen again. The religion (any) is not for someone to play games with.
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Aug 31, 2018 03:03am
Job well done.
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Aug 31, 2018 03:21am
Thank you and keep it that way,.
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Aug 31, 2018 03:25am
Shah Mehmood Qureshi held a media talk accompanied by Tehreek-i-Labbaik leaders??? Is PTI loosing its mind completely ?
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Aug 31, 2018 03:40am
This has nothing to do with diplomacy but it was cancelled to avoid violence. So, it was due to threat to his and other lives this event was cancelled.
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Aug 31, 2018 04:04am
Well done priminister Khan.
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Aug 31, 2018 04:06am
Congratulations to all Muslims. However, from the statement of the dutch man, it appears it was death threats not diplomacy that caused the cancellation. So, PTI please stop the cheap effort of taking credit.
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Aug 31, 2018 04:21am
Feel so bad for TLP..They came all the way and Geert called off the protests making them look as foolish as they truly are.
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Aug 31, 2018 04:37am
This is called democracy.. When the person in the PM officer has genuine mandate and the world know that he/she has the support of the people of the country masses, they listen. People/govt.s all over the world knows that Imran Khan is the genuine leader, his statement ca bot be ignored. The first success of PTI,s govt foreign policy..
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Aug 31, 2018 04:39am
@Inshallah_MPA IK also spoke to Dutch PM. He has power to covince.
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Aug 31, 2018 04:40am
How can the country have such a contest??? And they call them selves civilised.
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Aug 31, 2018 05:06am
This wasn’t a victory for Pakistan. It was a victory for him. All he wanted was some attention after he performed poorly in Dutch elections. And we made sure the whole world paid attention to him.
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Aug 31, 2018 05:11am
Good decision.
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Aug 31, 2018 05:23am
Geert Wilders says he has cancelled a planned blasphemous caricatures contest following "death threats and concerns other people could be put at risk".
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Aug 31, 2018 05:30am
@Inshallah_MPA yes a coincidence.
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Aug 31, 2018 05:30am
Good news but i am sure not under Pak government pressure
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Aug 31, 2018 05:34am
The right to freedom of speech should not and cannot be used as a ploy to hurt the sentimemts of Muslims worldover. It is high time the European nations, who are quick to respond to a single word uttered against holocaust and label the person saying as Anti semitic, should take strict action those individuals who are launching such derogatory and offensive campaigns and causing immense distress to Muslims by abusing the so called "freedom of speech"...
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Aug 31, 2018 05:35am
Simply thank you Holland for being tolerant to our believes. It is success of human values, not our political leaders or Pakistan.
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Aug 31, 2018 05:37am
Good piece of work PM and FM.
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Aug 31, 2018 05:45am
PTI Zindabad.
PM Imran Khan Zindabad.
Pakistan
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Aug 31, 2018 05:51am
I don't think he cancelled the contest fearing Mr. Khan or Pakistan's influence.
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Aug 31, 2018 05:59am
Well done IK and all those who participated. When we are principled and concur fear, we are strong.
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Aug 31, 2018 06:18am
Nonsense statement from FM and IM of pakistan, Geert Wilders clearly says he has cancelled the planned blasphemous caricatures contest following "death threats and concerns other people could be put at risk".
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Aug 31, 2018 06:18am
All muslims countries shall bycot the products of such countries who try to play with their feelings and religion
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Aug 31, 2018 06:27am
Thank you every Muslim country who opposed this. The ummah needs to function under able leadership like IK O : - I admire IK
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Aug 31, 2018 06:43am
@Gen. Khan Azaam can you please let me know exactly where you read that Imran Khan is taking credit for this event being cancelled. Being critical and having a negative opinion of someone does not necessariily have to be the same thing.
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Aug 31, 2018 07:11am
Even religion used for political purposes. PTI using this opportunity for political point scoring. True colors of PTI.
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Aug 31, 2018 07:26am
@Imtiaz Ali Khan Brother, I am getting fond of you and your beautiful, very earnest and humane thoughts. I lived 7 long years while working for UNDP in Thailand, among very docile, peace loving, down to earth humble & polite people, transforming me from having tribal background, to a real human being & I am indebted to them ever since. You are absolutely right saying that we must have compassion, tolerance & respect for others irrespective of their faith, creed, color or ethnicity. I admire your experience & feelings towards Hindu community & because of your love and respect bestowed to them & their faith without prejudice or intolerance, they reciprocate automatically. I wish that we all, belonging to lower middle class, who despite living together for 7 decades remain divided between ethnicity, creed & religious belief & have failed to attain cohesion as a nation, may become more tolerant & compassionate to each other, bringing an end to many problems the nation is faced with.
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Aug 31, 2018 07:41am
@Waqar Geet Wilders never heard of TLP but he has heard of IK.
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Aug 31, 2018 07:43am
Sensible! A realization of the cause and the effect.
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Aug 31, 2018 07:44am
it is good decision that can bridge the political ties between Pakistan and Holland.
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Aug 31, 2018 08:44am
Yes. Atleast Pakistan spoken. Good work IK team.
But do not stop here. Must move forward to add such blasphemous acts as criminal offence in International laws.
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Aug 31, 2018 09:15am
good work atleast you talk.
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Aug 31, 2018 09:27am
its a good decision by lawmaker but sorry that has nothing to do with Pakistan efforts.
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Aug 31, 2018 09:31am
People say that street power does not work, but it does.
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Aug 31, 2018 09:33am
If IK is such an icon and can create ripple across the globe. then he should bring Kashmir issue on the table immediately.
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Aug 31, 2018 09:41am
West needs to realize that Muslims also have sentiments and emotions. Its not appropriate to make fun of any religion. In fact, all religions should be respected, this what Islam teaches us. Geert should have abstained from such Anti Islam acts. He should be punished for creating hatred, violence and hurting sentiments of Muslim Ummah. If West has freedom then we Muslims also have rights.
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Aug 31, 2018 09:43am
pakistan zindabad
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Aug 31, 2018 10:07am
Imran Khan knows well how to deal with western minds as he has spent a significant chunk of his life among them.
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Aug 31, 2018 10:07am
After US Secretary of State conversation with Imran Khan blunder, our Foreign Minister wants to take credit for Dutch government cancellation of caricature competition. Very soon Tehrrek-i-Labeek leaders will also start taking credit for cancellation. It is informed that these Western countries hardly care for feelings of Muslim countries like us. It is their internal pressures which force them to cancel such events.
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Aug 31, 2018 10:08am
Congratulations Pakistan & Muslims of the world- it’s a victory of the decency & huamnity made possible thru civility in the face of obscene adversity.
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Aug 31, 2018 10:11am
Sanity prevailed!
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Aug 31, 2018 10:24am
Congrats people. We are strong enough to be heard
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Aug 31, 2018 10:25am
Tehreek e Labaik effort made this to settle issues not imran khan
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Aug 31, 2018 10:26am
TLP, You are great. Thank you
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Aug 31, 2018 10:53am
That doesn't mean that it will be stop forever. the were just testing the water wanting to see the reaction. I would suggest we should not stop here we should push OIC to take up the matter as high as possible so that this must stop forever.
I would recommend the British Muslims to sign the online request so much that British Parliament should discuss this issue in one of their session.
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Aug 31, 2018 10:54am
Good news.
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Aug 31, 2018 11:02am
@Waqar - TLP has done nothing but protest by blocking streets and roads. You win battles on international level, not by disturbing your local people. Wake up.
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Aug 31, 2018 11:36am
P.M. Imran Khan should thank dutrch law-maker for cancelling caricatures contest. This will increase the image of Pakistan.
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Aug 31, 2018 11:46am
Surprisingly in so many comments here innocent people are calling it a diplomatic success,
Infact it is the element of threat, besides other reasons such as economic boycott, that forced them to cancel the contest.
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Aug 31, 2018 11:51am
OIC needs to follow this up, to term an International law like Jewish holocaust. No one should ever dare to play with any relegion followers' sentiments.
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Aug 31, 2018 11:54am
I thought he canceled it to avoid anyone getting hurt and after getting death threats |(and cheap publicity which was the inspiration). I guess all the mullahs looking for trouble and cheap publicity have to go home now and not bother us any more.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:09pm
@Amjad Durrani Engineer USA Thank you my brother, I always read your comments and it makes me happy to see educated and well put together words for the betterment of our society. I do think education is the key to help solve our society and it's problems. Be it getting rid of mafias which rule us specially Zardari family and kids or other grand looters like Nawaz.
I also like you got humbled because I lived in a very socially diverse village and it was ingrained in our minds by our elders to put humanity first, they will always put us in place by giving us timeout if we ever make fun of anyone who is praying different from us, when we were kids. I never knew the values they were putting in us when we were kids, but when I grew up and became an adult I realize what they have done to us and they end up given us peace and acceptance in our heart. Thank you again for your kind words my brother. Take care of yourself brother.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:22pm
@Zeeshan Khan, ACCA
He already did.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:23pm
Guys please be realistic. And don’t be emotional. This is a collective effort by diplomats in the world. Don’t put yourself, IK and TLP on the front line.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:41pm
Only democratic efforts could have yielded results. Matter dealt well by Pakistan. May be some law should be made to stop such efforts in future. Strongest protest should be registered.
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Aug 31, 2018 12:52pm
An alternative to such act, is to ban all products from Holland for all Muslim countries.
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Aug 31, 2018 01:05pm
This is a great news. IK should revive and consolidate OIC because UN has become a worthless platform.
Also, for the Pakistani protesters who disrupt peace and destroy local property over such issues should be penalized. They use this issue for their own nefarious reasons.
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Aug 31, 2018 01:53pm
Wisdom has prevailed. Alhamdollilah!
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Aug 31, 2018 01:54pm
@JA-Australia Like condemning Saudi atrocities in Yemen, atrocities against Rohingyas, by sending relief and help, instead merely condemning. They should ask the government to cut off diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia
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Aug 31, 2018 02:01pm
Another case of IK effect. Pakistan is on the roll.
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Aug 31, 2018 02:02pm
@Amjad Durrani Engineer USA : There is no guarantee that it was called off due to Pakistan PM or efforts from incumbent government. Why don't you move back from US and start contributing to your own native country if you so much fan of new government or PM?
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Aug 31, 2018 03:21pm
Seems like he was issued a stern warning from the Dutch and other governments. Enough is enough in the name of 'freedom of expression'. Now, let's move on.
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Aug 31, 2018 08:07pm
@Syed D. IK or Pakistan has nothing to do with the decision. Don't take credit when it's not due!!
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Sep 01, 2018 09:39am
@Inshallah_MPA Nuclear Armed Pakistan Prime Minister words have its weightage, the world over.
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Sep 01, 2018 10:27am
@Harmony-1© Muslims are THE protectors of their faith.
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Sep 01, 2018 05:27pm
Priorities of the people...
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Sep 01, 2018 08:52pm
The cacncellation nothing to do with Pakistan Govt or Tehreek Labaik.
Possibly it was pressure by Dutch Govt which may have been afraid of economic damage as a sustained campaign on social media for boycott of Dutch products and Companies has been going on for many months. The other big reason could have been increased threat of terrorist attacks as a result of the competition going ahead.
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Sep 01, 2018 10:28pm
@TSK For your information, in my humble capacity as an expert engineer of international caliber, I did contribute through professional work to prepare emission standards & tourism plan for federal government of my country & whenever needed I would not hesitate to come forward to do more. Be advised, migrating to s foreign land for a highly educated person is the last choice for a person who find acceptance in his own country. Being from a backward area, these oppotunities did not exist due to your preferred political rulers of the past. You may like it or not change is there because our next generation of youth are sick & tired of status quo which many of your kind are still fond of. The PTI if incapable of delivering will find it difficult to stay on & trust me me your favorites corrupt rulers of a decade or so are history and hope their supporters like yourself realize this sooner the better. Therefore, please be advised not to run after mirage because it is illusion & nothing else.
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Sep 02, 2018 09:08am
Thank you PM IK. No other Muslim has said a word of protest.
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