Sir: Lately, a news appeared in media about the sale of shoes on which Hindu religion’s sacred symbol was inscribed. The incident is appalling and deserves condemnation in the harshest possible words. How can one stoop so low to insult someone’s religion in such a debased way? How can one claim to be a better Muslim by showing disrespect to someone else’s religion? The act reeks of a deliberate attempt to create disharmony and friction between followers of different religions. It also depicts the prejudiced mentality of a small section of Pakistani society against non Muslim minorities. The perpetrators of this criminal provocation and the ones having similar mindset must bear in mind that they should not expect non-Muslims to respect their religious sentiments when some Muslims so blatantly insult others’ faiths. If we can’t respect others, we should not expect a respectful comportment towards ourselves. What we need is an environment of inter-faith accord and pluralism. If we are unable to create such an inclusive and tolerant society, which respects diverse cultures and religions, we are plunging deep into regression and backwardness. It must be noted that Islam has always enjoined to respect other faiths and directed to induce a spirit of tolerance within oneself. So, abusing anyone’s faith is tantamount to going against the spirit of Islam. Having said that, the police has rightly taken action against the culprits and they must be awarded exemplary punishments, so that in future, no one has the audacity to repeat such actions that can deeply bruise the religious sentiments of people and incite disorder in society. I urge government to take more effective long-term measures towards promoting interfaith harmony and developing a tolerant and pluralistic society — the one which sows respect rather than bigotry towards other faiths in the hearts of people. FAKEHA FAIZ Islamabad