ISLAMABAD: On the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on March 15, the prime minister and the president of Pakistan called for increased global cooperation to fight discrimination against Muslims and safeguard religious freedoms.
In a message issued on Sunday by the President's Office, President Asif Ali Zardari said the day, observed following a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, was an opportunity to stand “against hatred, discrimination and intolerance directed at Muslims worldwide.”
‘Respect for religious diversity’
“The day calls attention to the rise in prejudice and violence faced by Muslim communities and to the need for tolerance and respect for religious diversity,” the president said.
Recalling the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand on March 15, 2019, he noted that the tragedy “shocked the conscience of humanity.”
The president said Islamophobia manifests through “hate speech, discrimination, attacks on religious symbols and places of worship,” adding that such acts “violate fundamental human rights and run counter to the basic principle that all people deserve equal treatment under the law.”
He emphasized that “Islam teaches peace, compassion and justice,” and said that “attempts to link Islam with extremism or violence reflect ignorance and weaken efforts to promote dialogue and mutual understanding among civilizations.”
‘Free and equal’
Highlighting international human rights standards, the president said the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that all people are born “free and equal in dignity and rights,” and that everyone is entitled to these rights without distinction, including religion.
He added that Pakistan “has ratified several human rights conventions” and continues to raise the issue of Islamophobia at international forums.
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental right, but it carries responsibility. It must not be used to incite hatred or division,” the president said.
Pakistan condemns Islamophobia: PM
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has consistently raised its voice against Islamophobia globally.
The prime minister said that the International Day to Combat Islamophobia is a global voice in condemning prejudice against Islam and Muslims.
He added that the UN resolution on combating Islamophobia “discourages discriminatory and hateful behavior against Muslims worldwide,” stressing that “civilized societies do not discriminate in human rights on the basis of beliefs, but are based on mutual respect and sacrifice.”
Sharif said Pakistan “condemns all forms of Islamophobia,” adding that “the religion of Islam is a message of peace and harmony for all mankind,” and that “attributing Islam to extremist views is blatant ignorance.”
Pakistan committed to eliminating Islamophobia: Dar
In a separate message, Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Ishaq Dar said Pakistan remains firmly committed to advancing international efforts to counter Islamophobia.
“We are working with OIC Member States and the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia on the development of a UN Plan of Action that would provide a structured framework to understand better, prevent, and eliminate this challenge,” he said.
Dar stressed that the international community must stand united in condemning Islamophobia while also addressing the structural conditions that allow it to flourish.
“Pakistan calls upon all nations to undertake sustained efforts to promote mutual respect, dialogue, and understanding among communities, and to uphold the values of tolerance, dignity, and peaceful coexistence,” he added.
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