The Ambassador of Norway was called to the Foreign office today to convey the deep concern of the government and people of Pakistan over the incident of desecration of the Holy Quran in the Norwegian city of Kristiansand.
Pakistan’s condemnation of this action was reiterated. It was underscored that such actions hurt the sentiments of 1.3 billion Muslims around the world, including those in Pakistan.
Furthermore, such actions could not be justified in the name of freedom of expression.
The Norwegian authorities were urged to bring those responsible to justice and to prevent the recurrence of any such incident in the future.
The Ambassador of Pakistan in Oslo has also been instructed to convey Pakistan’s protest and deep concern to the Norwegian authorities.
Meanwhile, Pakistanis praised man who stopped extremist from blaspheming the Quran in Norway. Muslim hero, called ‘Quran Defender’ received praises for stopping the burning of Holy Quran in Norway.
Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations Major General Asif Ghafoor has saluted the bravery of Ilyas who jumped off the fence and saved the Holy Quran from burning. “Salute to brave Ilyas for displaying the courage to stop an absolutely deplorable action. Such Islamophobia based provocations only promote hatred & extremism,” he tweeted.
In a video on social media, the ‘Muslim hero’ could be seen jumping into the barricaded circle to save the holy book from being desecrated. The rally soon turned violent, after which police took Thorsen and his attackers into custody.
Netizens took to social media to praise Ilyas and also raise alarm over the rise of Islamophobia in Europe and around the world.