Lahore: On the occasion of the International Day Against Islamophobia, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the discrimination, hatred, and prejudice faced by Muslims worldwide. She reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to raising the voice of the oppressed Muslim communities and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in combating Islamophobia.
Pakistan’s Role in Combating Islamophobia
Maryam Nawaz highlighted that Pakistan has played a pivotal role in addressing the concerns of Muslims by successfully presenting a resolution against Islamophobia in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This resolution, which was passed with broad international support, was a significant step toward acknowledging and countering the rising tide of anti-Muslim sentiment globally.
The Punjab Chief Minister termed this initiative a commendable move and expressed gratitude to the UN and other nations that supported Pakistan’s call for action. “Pakistan has always stood firm against any form of religious discrimination, and this resolution is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding the dignity and rights of Muslims worldwide,” she said.
Islam: A Religion of Peace and Mercy
Reaffirming Islam’s core values, Maryam Nawaz stated that Islam is a religion of peace, love, tolerance, and human dignity. She lamented the growing global propaganda against Islam and Muslims, stressing that such narratives not only misrepresent the faith but also fuel hostility and division among communities.
“Islamophobia is not just an attack on a religion but a direct threat to world peace and interfaith harmony,” she said. “It is imperative that all efforts aimed at eradicating this prejudice be encouraged and supported.”
Urgent Call for International Action
The Punjab Chief Minister urged the United Nations and other international organizations to take immediate and effective steps to counter Islamophobia. She called on world leaders to adopt policies that protect Muslims from discrimination, hate crimes, and targeted violence.
She specifically mentioned the suffering of Muslim communities in conflict zones such as Kashmir and Palestine, where systemic oppression and human rights violations continue unabated. “The international community must ensure the protection of the lives, property, rights, and dignity of Muslims in these regions,” she said.
She further stressed that hate speech and violence against Muslims, often incited through social media and biased narratives, need to be tackled through strict regulations and global awareness campaigns.
Promoting Religious Harmony in Punjab
Maryam Nawaz also highlighted the steps being taken by the Punjab government to promote religious harmony and ensure the protection of minorities. She reaffirmed her commitment to fostering a Punjab where people of all faiths can coexist peacefully, with equal rights and opportunities.
“Our government is making consistent efforts to ensure an inclusive and respectful society where no individual faces discrimination based on religion, sect, or ethnicity,” she stated. She reiterated that respect for all religious communities is essential for social cohesion and national unity.
Raising Awareness to Combat Islamophobia
The Chief Minister emphasized that the global community needs to be made aware of the true essence of Islam, as misunderstanding and misinformation fuel Islamophobic sentiments. She urged scholars, media professionals, and civil society to play an active role in countering anti-Muslim rhetoric and spreading the real message of Islam.
“The fight against Islamophobia is not just the responsibility of Muslims but of all those who believe in justice, equality, and human rights,” she said. “We must collectively raise our voices against all forms of hatred and work towards sustainable world peace.”
A United Stand Against Religious Intolerance
Concluding her statement, Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to combating Islamophobia at all levels—political, social, and diplomatic. She emphasized the importance of unity and resilience among Muslims in the face of rising discrimination and hate crimes.
She also called for dialogue and interfaith engagement to bridge gaps and foster mutual understanding between different religious communities. “By working together, we can dismantle the prejudices that fuel Islamophobia and build a world based on tolerance, respect, and coexistence,” she concluded.
Final Thoughts: Moving Forward Together
The International Day Against Islamophobia serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Muslims face globally. It is a call to action for governments, international organizations, and individuals to actively oppose bigotry, discrimination, and hatred against any religious group.
Pakistan remains at the forefront of this fight, advocating for laws and policies that protect Muslims from oppression while also promoting interfaith harmony. The leadership’s commitment, as demonstrated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, underscores the urgency of addressing Islamophobia and ensuring a world where all faiths are respected and valued.
As the world observes this significant day, it is crucial to turn words into action, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their religious beliefs, can live with dignity and without fear of persecution.
