Protesters vandalize Samsung’s hoardings in Pakistan for insulting the Prophet

Protests erupted after Wi-Fi devices installed at a mall in Pakistan’s Karachi on Friday allegedly made remarks against the companions of the Prophet Muhammad. The mob vandalized Samsung’s billboards and accused the global firm of blasphemy.

According to Dawn newspaper, Karachi police switched off all WiFi devices and detained over 20 employees of the mobile phone company after the protest. The police also confiscated the device which allegedly made the blasphemous remarks.

Protest against alleged blasphemy of a WiFi device in Karachi. A crowd gathered after a WiFi device was installed at Star City Mall, allegedly posting blasphemous comments. Protesters vandalized Samsung’s billboards, accusing the company of blasphemy. Police detained 27 Samsung employees. pic.twitter.com/3R8UYbScqa

— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) 1 July 2022

Following the protests, Samsung Pakistan issued a statement saying that the company has maintained neutrality on religious sentiments.

Samsung Pakistan – Press Release July 1, 2022. pic.twitter.com/IVSpAkH8Lm

– Samsung Pakistan (@Samsung Pakistan) 1 July 2022

“Samsung Electronics reiterates its firm position that it strives to maintain impartiality on all matters of religious importance. With reference to the recent developments in Karachi, Samsung Electronics stands firm in its stand that the company respects all religious sentiments and beliefs. and holds the religion of Islam in the utmost respect,” the company said in a statement, adding that the matter is under internal investigation.

#barelvi #tlp mobile market worker, #Karachi Destroy Samsung’s billboards to present a QR code that is allegedly blasphemous. pic.twitter.com/saFSbZAp2e

— Samaritan (@SAMRIReports) 1 July 2022

However, there were also reports of protesters accusing Samsung of offering ‘blasphemous QR codes’.