Prime Minister Imran Khan has appreciated President Vladimir Putin’s stand against Islamophobia saying that he is the first Western leader to have shown empathy and sensitivity to Muslim sentiment
PM Khan made the appreciation Tweet after a detailed telephonic conversation with the Russian president, on Monday, in which the two leaders discussed areas of mutual interest.
“He [President Putin] is the first Western leader to show empathy and sensitivity to Muslim sentiment for their beloved Prophet PBUH.” Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted, saying that he called Mr. Putin especially to show his gratitude for the emphatic statement that the Russian president made earlier.
A few weeks ago, the Russian President had said that freedom of speech could not be used as a pretext to abuse Holy Prophet (PBUH).
About the phone call:
According to a press release issued regarding the telephonic conversation held between the two leaders, PM Imran khan stated that he had been regularly highlighting the appalling rise in Islamophobia and associated hatred in his addresses to the UN General Assembly, pointing towards its serious ramifications.
Both the leaders also discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to enhance trade and commerce between the two countries.
“The Prime Minister underscored that Pakistan’s bilateral relationship with Russia was on an upward trajectory, with an increased focus on trade and economic ties and energy cooperation,” said the press release.
The two heads agreed to develop bilateral cooperation in different areas, enhance high-level exchanges, and remain in close contact on issues relating to Afghanistan, the PR stated, “Prime Minister Imran Khan underscored that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was pivotal for regional stability. Afghanistan was facing dire humanitarian and economic challenges and support of the international community to the people of Afghanistan at this critical juncture remained vitally important.”
Additionally, PM Imran urged the release of Afghanistan’s financial assets for addressing the dire needs of the Afghan people.
The statement added that PM Imran looked forward to President Putin’s visit to Pakistan as well as his own visit to Russia at a suitable time in future.