Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday decried what it called post-Paris Islamophobia, saying terrorism had nothing to do with Islam, which is a religion of peace and brotherhood.

Taking notice of rising instances of hate crime against Muslims globally following the Nov 13 Paris carnage, Foreign Office spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah said it was not appropriate to link terrorism in France with Islam, adding that the international community should take notice of attacks on Muslims.

“Acts of terrorism committed in the name of Islam cannot be blamed on Muslims. Islam advocates peace and brotherhood. Terrorists have no religion. No one should be targeted on the basis of religion. The focus must remain on targeting terrorists,” he told a weekly press briefing.

The spokesman said Pakistan has always stressed the need for tolerance and interfaith harmony. “Pakistan has already expressed its concern on activities of extremist and fundamentalist groups and organisations across the globe and especially in India,” he added.

At least 129 people were killed in Paris in attacks claimed by militant group Islamic State (IS). A wave of coordinated attacks hit at least six places in the French capital on Nov 13. The attackers had targeted the Bataclan concert hall, a sports stadium and restaurants.

Following the attacks, a 300 per cent increase in hate crime targeting Muslims was registered in the week following the attacks only in the United Kingdom.

Following the Paris attacks, France has stepped up its air campaign against IS in Iraq as well as Syria, where Russia is also targeting the militant group in air strikes while backing a campaign for President Assad.

The spokesperson expressed concerns over India’s treaty with the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as well as the executions of political leaders in Bangladesh.

“Pakistan has consistently stated that NSG should follow an objective, equitable and non-discriminatory approach for admitting new members. Grant of exclusive NSG membership to India as an exception on account of political and commercial considerations would adversely affect the credibility of non-proliferation regime. It would also bear negative implications for regional peace and security. Pakistan, therefore, welcomes the recent remarks made by the NSG chair, Ambassador Rafael Grossi, widely reported in India during his visit last month, wherein he ruled out a tailor made India-specific solution for the NSG membership,” the Foreign Office said.

“Pakistan’s Foreign ministry and all its diplomatic missions accredited to the NSG member states continue to actively brief their interlocutors about Pakistan’s strong credentials for the membership. In this regard, upon Pakistan’s formal request, the NSG chair circulated a document amongst all members elaborating Pakistan’s point of view. A high-level Pakistani delegation also held a constructive meeting with the NSG troika in Vienna. Pakistan, therefore, would continue to call for the adoption of a non-discriminatory and objective criteria-based approach on expansion of NSG membership for non-NPT countries,” the spokesperson said.

Khalilullah said the Bangladeshi high commissioner would be summoned over summoning of Pakistani high commissioner in Dhaka. About executions of opposition leaders, the spokesperson said Bangladesh should respect the three-party agreement of 1974. He said Pakistan has also been noting the reaction of the international community on the flawed trials in Bangladesh related to the events of 1971. He said reconciliation is needed in Bangladesh in accordance with the spirit of Pakistan-India-Bangladesh agreement of April 9, 1974. The agreement calls for a forward looking approach in matters relating to 1971. He said this would foster goodwill and harmony.

The spokesman advised Russia and Turkey to exercise restraint under the prevalent tense situation. He said the tensions must be toned down through dialogue, adding that Pakistan is desirous of peaceful solution through negotiations.

Commenting over Pakhtun political leaders’ visit to Kabul, the spokesperson said the government encouraged contacts between Pakistan and Afghanistan at all levels because such contacts were helpful in bringing the two countries closer.

The spokesperson also commented on Pakistan’s relationship with other countries in the region, including Afghanistan and India. He said Pakistan was ready to discuss all outstanding issues with India, including Kashmir, without any pre-conditions.