Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood met the OIC Ambassadors in Islamabad on Tuesday, and briefed them about the developments after the highly derogatory remarks by two senior officials of India's ruling party BJP about Holy Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Noting the condemnation issued by the General Secretariat of the OIC in this regard, the Foreign Secretary highlighted OIC's role in promoting the rights and fundamental freedoms of the Muslim Ummah around the world.

The Foreign Secretary added that the strong reaction from the OIC countries to such totally unacceptable actions was natural, given the Muslims' love and reverence for the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

The Foreign Secretary stressed that the international community should take cognizance of the rising tide of Islamophobia in India.

He added that India must be held accountable for stifling the rights of its religious minorities, especially the Muslim population, which is the victim of hate speech, persecution and violence perpetrated under state patronage.

The Foreign Secretary highlighted the special role of the OIC in this regard.