Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz told Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Ms Margherita Boniver Monday that the publication of blasphemous sketches featuring the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in some European newspapers seriously jeopardizes the endeavor for enhancing interfaith harmony and cooperation between various cultures and lead to a clash of civilizations. During a meeting with her, Aziz condemned the publication of these cartoons, according to an official statement. The prime minister said that publication of these sketches has profoundly hurt the sentiments of Muslims all over the world. Aziz rejected the pretext of freedom of press for publishing such caricatures, and said that Islam and its teachings are for peace, tolerance and compassion. "To portray the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) in derogatory terms hurts deeply held beliefs of Muslims," the prime minister said adding that freedom of expression does not mean absence of any values, ethics or laws, but rather-amongst other things-protection and respect of the rights of individuals as well as their religious and social values. Regional and international issues also came under discussion.
