Bureau Report
Karachi: Pakistan’s Tennis star, Aisam-ul-Haq has decided to protest peacefully against French President Emmanuel Macron during this week’s Paris Masters Tennis tournament.
The 40-year-old posted a video message and said that he will be wearing a white armband against the blasphemous publications.
He emphasized that he as an athlete has learned to respect all cultures, religions, cultures, faith, and beliefs. He added that freedom of speech doesn’t disrespect others’ religion.
“This peaceful protest is against Macron who, sadly and disappointingly, is endorsing and encouraging this kind of behavior where people are allowed to disrespect the religion of Islam and make fun of our Prophet Mohammad (PBUH),” he said.
“Islam only preaches the message of peace and love and respect for all the Prophets,” he added.
“I urge not just Muslim athletes but athletes all over the world who respect other religions – to show solidarity, unity by wearing a white armband and to create awareness that we, as human beings and athletes, we don’t disrespect people and countries who disrespect other religions,” he concluded.
Aisam will play on Wednesday in the first round of the Paris Master’s mixed doubles event. He will partner with Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece. The duo will lock horns against Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski of Great Britain.
It must be noted that Muslim countries all over the world protested against the French President’s statement as he defended Charlie Hebdo’s blasphemous publications by terming the act as freedom of expression.
