Following violent protests in Pakistan organized by a party, French nationals and companies in the country have been advised by the French Embassy in Islamabad to temporarily leave Pakistan. The party had accused French President Emmanuel Macron of committing blasphemy. An email sent to French citizens in Pakistan read, “Due to the serious threats to French interests in Pakistan, French nationals and French companies are advised to temporarily leave the country.”

According to Al Jazeera, the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan had held protests last November against comments by Macron. Macrons comments were found by many, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan, to have been encouraging Islamophobia. The November protests followed Macron’s support of the republishing of derogatory cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him).

The protests calmed after the party reached an agreement with the government of Pakistan to put before

Parliament the subject of the expulsion of the French ambassador, boycotting all French goods and other measures.  Al Jazeera reports that fresh protests broke out across the country this week following Saad Rizvi. Rizvi appears to have been arrested ahead of the TLP’s deadline for the expulsion of the French envoy.

Al Jazeera reports that two policemen were killed in the nationwide demonstrations and that hundreds of policemen and protesters were wounded in clashes. Water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets were fired by police. Further, major intercity highways and roads were closed on Monday and Tuesday. Meanwhile, Interior minister Sheikh Rasheed said the government was examining banning the TLP under anti-terrorism legislation.

In Pakistan, insulting the Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him), the Qur’aan, or other religious personalities can carry the death penalty.

Umm Muhammed Umar