ISLAMABAD: Religious scholars from all over the country have lauded Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stance on ‘Namoos-i-Risalat’ [respecting the sanctity of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)] and thanked him for understanding the sentiments of the Muslims.

In a joint statement, the religious scholars said the stand taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan before the world on Namoos-i-Risalat and Islamophobia had become a success following President Putin’s stance.

The statement has been issued from the platform of the Pakistan Ulema Council that said the time was near when the United Nations would pass a resolution to condemn blasphemy on Namoos-i-Mustafa, prophets and Islamophobia.

Meanwhile, leader of Shia Ulema Council (SUC) Allama Sajid Naqvi, in a separate statement, said it was a welcoming sign that the western notion of freedom of expression was being scrutinised.

“There was always a need to distinguish between freedom of expression and hurling insults at highly respectable personalities,” Allama Naqvi said.

He, however, added that academic discussion too should be differentiated between research work and making mockery of elders. “We all believe in freedom of expression but there has to be a limit,” he said. He also congratulated the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas.

“We need to follow the commandments of Hazrat Esa who preached peace, brotherhood and unity to the world,” the SUC chief said, adding that “it is also a known fact that Quaid-i-Azam wanted to make Pakistan a truly Islamic welfare democratic state, which granted equal rights to all its residents belonging to various religions and faiths”.

Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2021