NewsBritain slams suicide attack warning amid Rushdie protests
LONDON: Britain voiced "deep concern" Tuesday at reported comments by a Pakistani minister suggesting that author Salman Rushdie's knighthood could justify suicide attacks, as protests mounted.
The expression of worry came as British Muslim leaders condemned the award for the Indian-born author as a "provocation", but urged restraint from Muslims in this country, rather than the outpourings of anger in Pakistan.
A Foreign Office spokesman said the British high commissioner, Robert Brinkley, had made London's position clear in talks at the Pakistani foreign ministry in Islamabad. "He made clear the British government's deep concern at what the minister for religious affairs was reported to have said," he said.
"The British government is very clear that nothing can justify suicide bomb attacks."
Religious Affairs Minister Ijaz-ul-Haq told lawmakers in Islamabad on Monday that the honour for Rushdie justified suicide attacks, although he later withdrew the remark.The award was announced on Saturday in Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday Honour's list, triggering protests notably in Iran and Pakistan, which called for the decision to be reversed.
Courtesy Geo