Islamabad:Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his official message on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, emphasized that this day serves as a stark reminder of the serious challenges facing Muslims worldwide.
A Historic Recognition by the United Nations
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia, observed annually on March 15, was officially designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2022 through a landmark resolution. This initiative, led by Pakistan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), acknowledges the alarming rise of Islamophobia and the growing prejudice, hatred, discrimination, and attacks against Muslim communities globally.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the significance of this observance, stating, “Today, we stand together with the international community to mark this important day, recognizing the need for collective efforts to address the increasing threats faced by Muslim minorities around the world.”
Islamophobia: A Growing Global Concern
Islamophobia has become a pressing global issue, with frequent reports of hate crimes, discrimination, and restrictions on religious freedoms targeting Muslims. Incidents of Quran desecration, attacks on mosques, and legislative policies marginalizing Muslim communities have increased in various parts of the world.
Shehbaz Sharif warned about the dangerous consequences of Islamophobia, emphasizing that such acts not only violate fundamental human rights but also threaten global peace and harmony. He stated, “The growing intolerance against Muslims is a cause of serious concern. It is imperative for the international community to adopt concrete legislative and policy measures to counter this rising tide.”
Pakistan’s Leadership in the Fight Against Islamophobia
Pakistan has been at the forefront of global efforts to combat Islamophobia. Under Pakistan’s leadership at the United Nations, the resolution to recognize March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia was successfully passed, bringing worldwide attention to the issue.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to addressing religious discrimination and promoting interfaith harmony. “Pakistan takes immense pride in leading this initiative at the UN and welcomes the steps taken by some countries to outlaw the desecration of the Holy Quran and other acts of religious hatred.”
He further urged more nations to take urgent actions to prevent blatant violations of religious freedoms and uphold the principles of equality, tolerance, and mutual respect.
The Role of Freedom of Expression in Religious Intolerance
The Prime Minister stressed the need for responsible discourse regarding freedom of expression. He pointed out that blasphemous acts and the desecration of sacred symbols should never be justified under the pretext of free speech.
“At a time when religious intolerance is rising, it is essential to draw the line between free expression and hate speech,” said Shehbaz Sharif. “The protection of the honor of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is not just a duty for every Muslim, but a sacred trust that must be upheld.”
He urged global leaders and human rights organizations to take proactive measures to criminalize acts that promote hatred and division under the guise of free speech.
A Call for International Cooperation
On the occasion of International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the Prime Minister called upon the global community, human rights organizations, and policymakers to take strong measures against Islamophobia. He also emphasized the need to protect Muslim places of worship, prevent Quran burnings, and counter all forms of religious intolerance.
“We look forward to the swift appointment of a United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, which will serve as a significant step toward addressing this challenge globally,” he added.
Promoting Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding
Beyond legislative actions, Shehbaz Sharif underscored the importance of interfaith dialogue in combating Islamophobia. He called for increased efforts to promote understanding, harmony, and cooperation among different religious communities to foster global unity.
“The world must come together to reject hatred and division. It is our collective responsibility to build bridges of understanding and respect among diverse cultures and civilizations.”
Pakistan’s Commitment to Spreading Islam’s True Message
The Prime Minister concluded his message by reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to spreading the true message of Islam, which is rooted in peace, love, and coexistence.
“Let us use this day to take a stand against Islamophobia, promote respect for all religions, and work towards a world where diversity is celebrated rather than feared,” Shehbaz Sharif stated.
Final Thoughts
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia is not just a symbolic observance but a call for global action. As incidents of anti-Muslim prejudice and hate crimes continue to rise, governments, international organizations, and civil society must work together to protect religious freedoms and ensure a safer, more inclusive world for all.
Pakistan, as a leading voice against Islamophobia, remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for justice, tolerance, and mutual respect. The recognition of this day by the UN is a significant milestone, but much more remains to be done to eradicate religious intolerance and discrimination worldwide.
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