PRIME Minister Imran Khan has over the last two and a half years has forcefully raised the voice of the Muslims who are faced with host of different issues. His voice has also been well heard and given the weight too.
It was his diplomatic push that soon after concluding his visit to Colombo, the Sri Lankan government lifted a controversial ban on the burial of bodies of people whose death was caused by the Covid-19.
The Sri Lankan government had imposed a ban on burials in April amid concerns which experts say are baseless by influential Buddhist monks that burying bodies could contaminate groundwater and spread the virus.
The World Health Organization is also on record saying there is no such risk, recommending both burial and cremation of virus victims.
In December, the Sri Lankan authorities ordered the forced cremation of at least 19 Muslim Covid-19 victims, including a baby, after their families refused to claim their bodies from a hospital morgue.
This stoked dismay and anger among the Muslim community with the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation repeatedly expressing concern.
Non-governmental organizations and minority groups in Sri Lanka had filed petitions with the Supreme Court, pleading to stop the cremation of Muslim bodies.
However, the court dismissed all such petitions. Finally it was the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to the friendly country which paved the way for the reversal of the ban by the Sri Lankan government.
The entire international media is also linking the decision with the Colombo visit of PM Khan who has also thanked the Sri Lankan leadership for this posture.
This also shows the level of understanding and mutual trust that exists between the two important countries of SAARC.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, in his statement, very rightly pointed out that it is these very principles of mutual understanding, respect and humanity that allow the relationships to thrive and prosper.
At the same time, we are confident that PM Imran Khan will continue to raise voice on Muslim issues especially against Islamophobia.
But other Muslim leaders also need to fulfil their responsibility in this regard. A united and a collective voice emanating from the Muslim Ummah will have far reaching effect.
