ISLAMABAD: Former information minister Sherry Rehman has questioned the banning of a number of websites after Facebook announced a contest to draw blasphemous cartoons of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), which created a lot of resentment among Muslims.

Later, the website was shut down on the Lahore High Court’s order.

Ms Rehman, however, favoured the ban on Facebook, saying it was related to drawing of profane cartoons which was offensive to all Muslims, says a statement issued here on Monday.

She argued why the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had blocked 800 other websites including Webster dictionary and Wikipedia, which are mostly used by the students.

Ms Rehman said reaction to the offensive act was expected, adding Thailand blocked Facebook and so did Turkey.

She said those who caused willful offense in the name of freedom of expression must care for others religious sentiments.
Source: Dawn
Date:5/25/2010