Protesters vandalise Samsung billboards in Pakistan over insult to Prophet

Protests erupted in Pakistan’s Karachi on Friday after WiFi devices installed at a mall allegedly played comments against the companions of Prophet Muhammad. A mob vandalised Samsung billboards and accused the global firm of blasphemy.

According to Dawn newspaper, the Karachi Police turned off all WiFi devices and detained over 20 employees of the mobile phone company following the protests. The police also seized the device that allegedly played out a blasphemous comment.

Protest against alleged blasphemy of a WiFi device in Karachi. Mob gathered after a WiFi device installed in Star City Mall, allegedly posted blasphemous comments. Protesters vandalised Samsung billboards accusing the company of blasphemy. Police detained 27 Samsung employees. pic.twitter.com/3R8UYbScqa

— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) July 1, 2022

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

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

— Samsung Pakistan (@SamsungPakistan) July 1, 2022

“Samsung Electronics has reiterated its firm stance that it endeavours to maintain objectivity on all matters of religious significance. with reference to the recent developments in Karachi, Samsung Electronics stands firm on its stance that the company has the utmost respect for all religious sentiments and beliefs and holds the religion of Islam in utmost respect,” the company said in a statement, adding that internal investigation into the matter is underway.

#Barelvi #TLP activists in Mobile Market, #Karachi destroy billboards of Samsung for introducing a QR code that is allegedly blasphemous. pic.twitter.com/saFSbZAp2e

— SAMRI (@SAMRIReports) July 1, 2022

However, there were also reports of protesters blaming Samsung for introducing a ‘blasphemous QR code’.