By Aamir Latif
KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Ambassadors from different Muslim countries meeting in Pakistan on Friday have resolved to raise the issue of online blasphemy at the United Nations.
Local media reported the meeting of Islamabad-based Muslim envoys was convened by Pakistan’s interior ministry to create a joint strategy, aside from formal references being sent to the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) and the Arab League.
Broadcaster Dawn News reported the gathering aimed to raise the “voice of the Muslim world” over blasphemous content on social media.
The gathering follows the recent arrest of three bloggers by Pakistani security forces for allegedly posting blasphemous content against Islam and Prophet Muhammad.
These arrests were part of the country’s ongoing campaign against blasphemous content online with Islamabad expecting a meeting with Facebook administrators to discuss the simmering issue.
The campaign was launched last week following an order from Islamabad High Court.
Pakistan’s interior minister, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, said no law permitted showing disrespect for or distortion of any religion.
Blasphemy remains a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan, where a conviction for the offense carries the death sentence.
Many accused of the crime have been killed by angry mobs without being given a chance to appear before a court.