ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday voiced concern over rising Islamophobia worldwide at an interactive dialogue at the United Nations (UN), demanding world action and urging respect for diversity.
The Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues is an event held within the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, where states and experts discuss the rights and protections of minority groups.
Recent dialogues have featured discussions on rising Islamophobia, the impact of discriminatory policies for minorities in certain countries, and the need for greater protection and promotion of minority rights.
Speaking at the dialogue, Saima Saleem, a counsellor at Pakistan’s UN mission, said that respect for diversity and protection of minorities are indispensable for achieving peace, justice and inclusive development.
“We are gravely concerned over the rising tide of Islamophobia, intolerance and right-wing extremism targeting minorities, particularly Muslims worldwide,” she was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s UN mission.
“The weaponization of religion for political ends, the vilification of entire communities, and the systematic marginalization of Muslims in some regions are deeply alarming.”
Pakistan has played a leading role in raising global awareness about Islamophobia through its diplomatic efforts, particularly at the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), highlighting that anti-Muslim sentiment not only undermines social harmony but also fuels extremism and hate crimes.
In 2022, the efforts by Islamabad, along with the OIC, led to the UN’s designation of March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, marking a significant step toward global acknowledgment of this issue. Through these efforts, Pakistan continues to champion tolerance, coexistence and the right of Muslims everywhere to practice their faith without fear or prejudice.
Saleem said the “weaponization of religion” and systematic marginalization of minorities not only violate human rights but also endanger inclusive development and international peace.
The collective task of the international community is to transform diversity into strength, and difference into mutual respect, according to the Pakistani representative.
“The international community must act with solidarity and moral clarity to counter these dangerous trends, hold perpetrators accountable, and reaffirm that respect for diversity is a universal obligation, not a selective choice,” she said, pledging that
Islamabad would continue to play its role in promoting understanding, dialogue and peaceful coexistence among faiths and cultures.
