Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on Speaker of Iranian Parliament Muhammad Bagher Qalibaf and highlighted the rise of Islamophobic incidents, which imperilled the future prospects of peace and harmony among civilisations, said a statement of Foreign Office on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Qureshi appreciated Iran’s support to Pakistan’s initiative to counter Islamophobia. It was agreed to move jointly on the issue and preserving the respect of the Holy Prophet PBUH.

Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated commitment to further strengthen fraternal ties. He also underlined the need for enhancing coordination at international parliamentary fora.

Meanwhile, Pakistan-Iran Friendship Group Chairman Ahmad Amirabadi Farahani received the foreign minister upon his arrival at the parliament. Farahani emphasised the need for mobilising the parliamentary friendship groups of the two countries.

Also on Wednesday, Qureshi visited the Pakistan embassy in Tehran. Addressing the embassy officials, he said that Pakistan had expressed its serious concerns over the increasing trend of Islamophobia in the West which was being fanned by certain extremist elements.

He stressed that the right to freedom of speech and expression did not give anyone the right to hurt others’ feelings. In the past, incidents like the publication of blasphemous sketches and statements hurt the sentiments of the Muslim Ummah.

“Pakistan is established in the name of Islam. Prime Minister Imran Khan has effectively raised voice against Islamophobia at the UN General Assembly,” he said.

The foreign minister said that he had suggested the formation of a joint strategy by the Ulema of Pakistan and Iran to confront such incidents.

The story was filed by the News Desk. The Desk can be reached at info@thecorrespondent.com.pk.

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