ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the need to reverse an “alarming tide” of Islamophobia in the world, his office said on Saturday, as the world marked the international day to combat the phenomenon.
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia is an international observance designated by United Nations (UN) in 2022, which takes place on March 15 each year. The date was chosen as the anniversary of the mass shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand, in which 51 people were killed during Friday prayer in 2019.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution, which was co-sponsored by Pakistan, to mark this day amidst increasing prejudice, hatred, discrimination and attacks against Muslim communities as well as their sacred symbols and places of worship in the world.
In his message, Sharif said March 15 not only serves as a “stark reminder” of the gravity of the challenges being faced by Muslims worldwide, but also as a powerful call to action, reflecting the collective will of the international community to combat Islamophobia through concrete legislative and policy measures.
“However, much more is urgently needed to reverse the alarming tide of Islamophobia and end the flagrant violations of fundamental human rights and religious freedoms,” he said in a statement issued from his office.
“At a time when religious intolerance is on the rise, we reaffirm that no justification exists for blasphemy or the desecration of sacred symbols under the guise of freedom of expression.”
In his message on the day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the world was witnessing a “disturbing rise” in anti-Muslim bigotry that had led to attacks against religious groups, urging the international community to act toward its resolution.
“We are witnessing a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry that is part of a wider scourge of intolerance & attacks against religious groups & vulnerable populations,” Guterres said on X.
“This International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let’s work together to uphold equality, human rights & dignity.”
Sharif said Pakistan was extremely proud to have led this important initiative at the UN and welcomed actions taken by some member states to outlaw the desecration of the Holy Qur’an as well as to address systemic marginalization of Muslims.
“Respect for all faiths and their revered figures is essential for global peace and harmony,” he said. “It is imperative that international forums recognize the profound hurt caused by such acts and work collectively to prevent them.”
Sharif urged the international community, human rights organizations, and global leaders to raise awareness against Islamophobia as well as to prevent incidents of desecration of the Holy Qur’an, attacks against mosques, and other acts of religious intolerance against Muslims.
“In line with the decision of the United Nations General Assembly, we also look forward to the early appointment of a UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia as an important milestone toward addressing this challenge,” he said.
“Let this day serve as a catalyst for global unity and solidarity not only in speaking out and acting against the rising tide of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred but also in promoting dialogue, harmony, and mutual understanding across religions, faiths, cultures, and civilizations.”
The prime minister said it was important to take these measures to overcome divisions and build mutual respect across diverse communities and his country remains steadfast in its commitment to spreading Islam’s true message — one of love, peace, and tolerance.