Afghans holding chapters of the Quran shout anti-US slogans at a protest after morning prayers outside a mosque in Kabul. — AP

ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Tuesday condemned desecration of Holy Quran at Afghanistan’s Bagram airbase by Nato military personnel and demanded punishment for those responsible for the deplorable act.

The unanimous resolution moved by the Leader of House Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari urged Nato to take steps to prevent recurrence of such irresponsible acts in future.

The incident involving the burning of the Holy Quran sparked anti-US protests in the country, with some religious parties warning to wage a jihad against infidels.

The resolution urged the government to approach the United Nations, international community and the US for action against those responsible for burning of the holy Quran.

Describing the incident as an outrageous act, the house called upon all Muslim countries to demand from Nato and the United States action against those involved in the incident.

“This house condemns in the strongest terms the outrageous act of burning of copies of the holy Quran by Nato troops in Afghanistan,” the resolution read.

BLUE PASSPORTS: The house was informed that the summary relating to privileges for former lawmakers had been approved by the prime minister and outgoing senators will get blue passports and licence for prohibited bore arms.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the staff of passport office and a mobile unit had been assigned to perform duty in the Parliament House on Wednesday to issue blue passports to outgoing Senators.

He said each Senator would get one arms licence of prohibited bore. He urged senators to bring a photograph and apply for the licence.

Under notified perks and privileges, the former lawmakers would be entitled to diplomatic status throughout their life as they will be allowed to have the blue passport and continue to use VIP lounges at all airports in the country free of cost.

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