Pakistan parliament condemns 'blasphemous' Charlie Hebdo cartoons

Pakistan parliament on Thursday adopted a unanimous resolution against the caricatures published by French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, saying it is a deliberate attempt to ‘widen misunderstandings among civilisations’ and incite violence.

The resolution tabled in the National Assembly or the lower house said: “These cartoons are a conspiracy to widen misunderstandings among civilisations.”

It also said ridiculing of religion is “condemnable” and termed it against the freedom of speech.

The resolution called upon the international community, particularly the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the European Union and the United Nations community to take action against publishing such material.

Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique later led lawmakers outside parliament in protest, chanting slogans. Dozens of parliamentarians, including women, participated in the march.

Two gunmen killed 12 people in an attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo, a satirical magazine that has often angered Muslims over offensive cartoons, in Paris.

Undeterred by the attack, the weekly on Wednesday carried another such cartoon on its cover.

Some religious organisations have announced protests on Friday against the magazine.