NA accepts adjournment motions on publication of caricatures
By Asim Hussain

ISLAMABAD—The National Assembly on Friday accepted three adjournment motions to discuss the publication of blasphemous caricatures by some European newspapers.
The House unanimously supported discussion on the motion as the government did not oppose the motion moved by a number of members calling for conveying a strong message to editors of these newspapers. "The House should strongly condemn the publication of blasphemous caricature by Holland and Denmark newspapers," said themotion presented to the House by Sahibzada Haji Fazl Karim.
"These blasphemous caricatures have severely hurt the sentiments of the Muslims across the world," he said. The members urged the United Nations to include a chapter in its charter making obligatory on all religions to respect one another and the Prophets.
He also urged the House to adopt a resolution asking the respective newspapers and the government to ensure respect and sanctity of the Prophets. Haji Akram Ansari said the respect for the Holy Prophet(Peace Be Upon Him) is most sacred for us. Had these editors been summoned to explain for their nefarious act they would not have done it again. "The government should announce a clear strategy on this issue and accept the motion for discussion," he said.
Barjees Tahir said it is a sensitive matter and providesfor very basis to our ideology. He demanded legislation be passed providing for discontinuation of diplomatic relations with such countries so no country dares again to publish the caricatures.
Leader of the Opposition supported the motions and said, the opposition members had also submitted adjournment motions to discuss this matter and they should also be allowed to speak on the issue. When the Chair asked the government to respond to these motions, Minister for Law Justice and Human Rights, Farooq H Naik did not oppose the motions.
"There cannot be two opinions on this issue. The motions should be accepted and two hours time be specified for discussion," Naik said.