Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) legislator Dr Zumard Yaseen Rana has submitted a written resolution against LGBT functions in embassies at the Punjab Assembly Secretariat on Wednesday.
The resolution condemned the ceremony held at the US consulate and demanded assurances that such ceremonies would not be held in future. The resolution demanded that assembly members ask the Federal government to remain watchful of ceremonies held at diplomatic enclaves. The resolution concluded by claiming: “Pakistan is an Islamic country and anti-Islamic activities can not be allowed.”
The submission of the resolution has meant the demand for action against the organisers and participants of the LGBT ceremony at the US Consulate has emerged. Certain political and religious parties have demanded the government deport the US ambassador and declare him persona non-grata and demanded criminal charges against the participants of the function.
The US embassy ceremony, hosted by Charge d’Affaires Ambassador Richard Hoagland, and Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies (GLIFAA) members on June 26, was attended by over 75 people including mission officers, US military representatives, foreign diplomats, and some Pakistani LGBT advocacy group members.
Speaking to Pakistan Today, a human rights’ activist Hafiz Gulzar said: “Foreign missions should show adherence to the social values of the host country. They may abide by their social beliefs within their enclave but they must be sensitive to local values. However, it seems US Embassy officials can not be expected to abide by them.”
Jamaat Ulema Islam (F) senior leader Hafiz Hussain Ahmed said the US saw Pakistan as its colony. He stressed that diplomats must follow local laws. He claimed bisexual or homosexual tendencies did not exist in animals.
Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore Chief Amirul Azeem and JI central media coordinator Shahid Shamsi demanded the registration of cases against organisers and participants. They claimed that no embassy could violate the laws and regulations of the host country. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Central Press Secretary Umer Sarfraz Cheema said that US embassy had violated Pakistan’s sanctity. He said the event was against Islamic values. Cheema said Pakistan would not be a colony to the US and diplomats must obey local laws and regulations.