Govt on same page with TLP on protection of Prophet Muhammad’s honour: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the government was on the same page with the TLP regarding the protection of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s honour, however, expelling the ambassador of France is not the solution.

The PM addressed the nation a day after over a dozen police officers were taken hostage by the supporters of a banned outfit in Lahore, triggering clashes between police and protesters.

During his address, PM Imran Khan reminded the nation that Pakistan was built on the principles of Islam.

“The West has made this an issue of freedom of speech and if we send back the French ambassador, some other European country will follow suit,” he said.

He said that if Pakistan starts sending back ambassadors of different countries, the economy will suffer, but it would not make a difference to France or any other country.

The PM then talked about the violent countrywide protests that took place over the last few days and said that vandalising property will not reap any benefits.

He then talked about the government’s strategy to deal with Islamophobia.

Earlier in the day, the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry as well as the Prime Minister’s Office had confirmed that the prime minister will address the nation today.

He said the prime minister, during his speech, will take the nation into confidence over the prevalent situation in Pakistan following countrywide protests by a banned outfit and the ensuing clashes.