Disagree. Sometimes, these sort of opportunities are used by politicians to play to the crowd rather than achieve anything material, it's a fact you must accept and not view IK as some sort of messiah who is above these types of behaviors. I have no doubt he is sincere in his view, but actions and consequences are another matter.
On the part in bold, in my opinion, where reservations and comments on internal matters of other countries, especially neutral countries deserve to be raised is through diplomatic cables and back channels, or even directly with counterparts; but not on twitter. Not with hyperbolic comparisons to Nazi Germany, and not while addressing primarily a domestic audience. Just take a look at
Macron's tweet in response, he did not address IK, he did not address even the accusation hurled at him, it was a slightly tangential comment deflecting the accusation.
I've heard it said somewhere likening the art of diplomacy to paddling on water, being calm and serene above the water, while paddling furiously below. In this case, Imran was doing the opposite, and I have to wonder to what effect? Has he swayed who needs to be swayed on this matter, knowing and understanding the free speech advocates in the west whom he takes issue with, I can say categorically: no.
And Did we even have the gumption or the ability to follow through on our protests? Thankfully no, a country like ours does not have the luxury of making enemies of $2.7trn economies, barely a few weeks after IK's comments and our vows to boycott France,
we were accepting another round of aid, and big chunks of debt relief from them. Instead, all this did is that it earned him some applause and brownie points within Pakistan, from his own base, as well as the section of society that has now taken to the street. And I have to wonder, how much did IK's own highlighting and posturing contribute to heightening this issue to the awareness of some of those who are now rioting?
And it's not just the manner in which he did this that I disagree with, substantively on the subject of free speech and religious exceptions, I view this from the western perspective, and I don't agree with IK. The kid who beheaded a teacher for causing offence is what ignited this spat. And our Prophet PBUH during his lifetime was insulted, harassed, spat upon, early Muslims were attacked and even martyred. But at all times he continued to counsel restraint, forgiveness, and mercy, and violence as a last means. In his name today, a few of our people are going to foreign lands, where Islamic sensibilities and laws are not applicable, and some small amount of them are committing acts like this.
On Islamophobia, I have to say that France has recently tried to pass a few rather draconian laws, specifically targeting the Muslim community, it may be justifiable from a security perspective, but that is a matter IMO more befitting of some concern being expressed to France about their policies. Even then, it should be exercised through proper channels, and not seized upon as a means of posturing, even if that is not the intention of IK, it's what it ended up being in practice. However, this potentially opens up another set of uncomfortable questions. If we are being sincere in raising our voice against Islamophobia internationally, why choose such a poor example as the murder of a teacher following depictions of the Prophet? Dare IK speak instead about China's actions in Xinjiang? About the systematic attempts to 'dereligify' parts of their country? In truth, I'd rather not have IK speak about this either, our intervention would have no material benefit to anyone, and might cost us a very valuable and close friend. Anyway, I think that is sufficient explanation as to my opinion.