Pakistan’s permanent representative to address UNGA on international day against Islamophobia today

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations will deliver a statement today, Friday, as the UN General Assembly holds the 62nd plenary on the occasion of the International Day To Combat Islamophobia.
The observance takes place on March 15 every year in 140 countries worldwide. The date, March 15, was chosen as it is the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque shootings, in which 51 people were killed during Friday prayers in New Zealand.
The resolution to hold a day against Islamophobia was introduced at the UN by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and was unanimously adopted by the 193-member world body on Mar. 15, 2022. It was co-sponsored by 55 predominantly Muslim countries.
“Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Munir Akram will deliver a statement on the occasion,” state-run APP said ahead of Friday’s UN gathering.
Separately, the Pakistan Ulema Council is holding a nationwide campaign today, Friday, to raise awareness and foster solidarity against discrimination targeting Muslims, the body said in a statement.
“Pakistan Ulema Council is set to lead the charge in commemorating the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on Friday with a nationwide campaign in a bid to raise awareness and foster solidarity against discrimination targeting Muslims,” the body said in a statement. 
“The day holds significant importance, particularly for the PUC, which has long been at the forefront of advocating for religious tolerance and understanding.”
Speaking to media, PUC Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi called upon religious scholars and leaders from all schools of thought to utilize their Friday sermons to highlight the significance of the day and emphasize the importance of religious diversity.
“The council’s initiative comes at a pivotal moment, aiming to dispel misconceptions, foster dialogue, and promote mutual understanding among different faith communities … the council’s commitment to combating discrimination aligns with the fundamental principles of human rights and religious freedom enshrined in international law,” Ashrafi was quoted in the statement as saying. 
The chairman underscored the alarming rise of Islamophobia as a global threat to Muslims and said it was the collective responsibility of the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other international entities to spearhead initiatives aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination.