Denmark fears for security of its citizens in Pakistan
Denmark fears for security of its citizens in Pakistan
By Shahzad Malik
ISLAMABAD: After the publication of a caricature of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in Danish newspapers, Denmark has sought protection of its diplomats and citizens living in Pakistan.
The security of Danish nationals was sought amid fears of a backlash, particularly from members of religious organisations, over the issue.
The Danish ambassador in Islamabad, Bent Wignotski, called on interior ministry officials, including Additional Secretary Ather Mahmood and expressed his apprehensions about the security of Danish embassy diplomats and other staff members after the publication of the caricature.
The ambassador has also expressed concerns over the announcement by a religious organisation of an Rs 500,000 reward for the murder of the cartoonist who had made the caricature.
The interior ministry officials,on the other hand, lodged a strong protest on the issue and asked the ambassador to convey the anger and dismay of Muslims over the publication of the caricature and termed it a despicable act, sources said. They also told the ambassador that though the press in Denmark was independent, it did not have the right to malign other religions and such acts only sabotaged interfaith harmony, the sources further said. In view of the prevailing situation, the interior ministry directed the Chief Commissioner, Islamabad to step up security of the Danish embassy and Danish diplomats living in the capital, the sources added.
The interior ministry also directed the home secretaries of all the provinces to beef up security around Danish installations and also provide adequate protection to its nationals residing in the provinces, the sources said.
By Shahzad Malik
ISLAMABAD: After the publication of a caricature of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in Danish newspapers, Denmark has sought protection of its diplomats and citizens living in Pakistan.
The security of Danish nationals was sought amid fears of a backlash, particularly from members of religious organisations, over the issue.
The Danish ambassador in Islamabad, Bent Wignotski, called on interior ministry officials, including Additional Secretary Ather Mahmood and expressed his apprehensions about the security of Danish embassy diplomats and other staff members after the publication of the caricature.
The ambassador has also expressed concerns over the announcement by a religious organisation of an Rs 500,000 reward for the murder of the cartoonist who had made the caricature.
The interior ministry officials,on the other hand, lodged a strong protest on the issue and asked the ambassador to convey the anger and dismay of Muslims over the publication of the caricature and termed it a despicable act, sources said. They also told the ambassador that though the press in Denmark was independent, it did not have the right to malign other religions and such acts only sabotaged interfaith harmony, the sources further said. In view of the prevailing situation, the interior ministry directed the Chief Commissioner, Islamabad to step up security of the Danish embassy and Danish diplomats living in the capital, the sources added.
The interior ministry also directed the home secretaries of all the provinces to beef up security around Danish installations and also provide adequate protection to its nationals residing in the provinces, the sources said.
posted by India News Watch at 7:36 AM
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