Samsung Pakistan issues apology over the blasphemy row; Read full text

On Friday, July 1, protests broke out in Pakistan’s Karachi after WiFi devices installed in the Star City mall allegedly played blasphemous comments. During the protests, Samsung billboards were vandalized after the company was accused of blasphemy. Reportedly, police have also detained as many as 27 Samsung employees. Now, Samsung Pakistan has issued a statement regarding the incident and said, “The company has utmost respect for all religious sentiments and beliefs and holds the religion of Islam in utmost respect”. Read the full text below.

The source of the protests is still not confirmed as two different versions of the incident have come to light. In the other version, protests began after a mobile QR code introduced by the company allegedly insulted Prophet Muhammed. Pakistani journalist Naila Inayat, however, reported that the first version of the incident with the WiFi device playing messages of blasphemy was the main reason behind the protest.

Samsung issues statement regarding the incident

On July 1, Samsung Pakistan posted a statement on Twitter where the company clarified its stance of religious neutrality. Read the full text from the statement below.

“Samsung Pakistan maintains neutrality on religious sentiments.

Samsung Pakistan reiterates its objectivity on all matters of religious significance and aims to ensure that the company's vision and operations are known to be unbiased and respectful towards religion.

Lahore, 1st July, 2022 - Samsung Electronics has reiterated its firm stance that it endeavours to maintain objectivity on all matters of religious significance. Samsung holds itself to a strict code of ethics and values which are adhered to across its global presence.

In matters of religious significance, Samsung prides itself on a consistently neutral and unbiased approach and always maintains its impartiality towards religions. With reference to the recent developments in Karachi, Samsung Electronics stands firm on its stance that the company has utmost respect for all religious sentiments and beliefs and holds the religion of Islam in utmost respect. As a multinational company, Samsung believes that it has a part to play in societal matters, which is why the company has immediately started internal investigations into the matter”.