Imran Khan, the prime minister of Pakistan, delivered a keynote address at the Organisation of Islamic Countries in the city of Makkah. In his nine-minute speech, Mr Khan focused on how to diplomatically and peacefully counter blasphemous acts against Islamic figures and teachings.
Additionally, he urged world leaders to act against the rising tide of islamophobia. The prime minister also focused on the need to invest more in education and reminded world leaders of the ongoing plight of the people of Palestine and Kashmir
While outlining his excitement of being given the opportunity to talk at the forum, Imran Khan stated that it is vital for the Organisation of Islamic Countries to explain the “love and affection we feel for our holy prophet”; he also criticised the Organisation of Islamic Countries on their previous responses to blasphemous acts towards “holy prophet”.
The prime minister also urged fellow leaders of the Organisation of Islamic Countries to use forums at the United Nations and the European Union to explain to the world “that they cannot hurt the sentiment of 1.3 billion people under the garb of Freedom of Speech”.
He also emphasized the need to curtail the rising wave of islamophobia, stating that there is no connection between Islam and terrorism. Mr Khan lamented the fact that political struggles are being framed as “Islamic terrorism”. He sadly acknowledged that such misconstrued framing has created additional obstacles for the freedom struggles of the Palestinians and Kashmiris.
Mr Khan concluded his speech by admitting that there is not much attention and resources being invested in science and technology, universities and quality education in Muslim countries.
As a concluding remark, he reminded the audience again of the ongoing plight of the people of Palestine and Kashmir.
The full speech by Prime Minister Imran Khan is available below:
