ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday warned of rising Islamophobia in global political discourse and raised concerns over the humanitarian situation in Palestine at the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, urging stronger collective action to protect fundamental rights.
Pakistan is currently serving as an elected member of the UN Human Rights Council and has positioned itself as advocating multilateral cooperation and civilian protection amid what officials describe as an increasingly volatile global environment marked by war, displacement and religious intolerance.
The country has consistently raised concerns at UN forums over developments in Palestine, Afghanistan and Indian-administered Kashmir, linking them to broader questions of self-determination and international law.
Speaking at the session in Geneva, Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights Abdul Khalique Shaikh said growing prejudice against Muslims and ongoing violence in conflict zones were undermining international human rights protections.
He warned of what he described as the “growing trend of Islamophobia as a tool for prejudice against Muslims” and urged the international community to step up efforts to combat hatred, discrimination and deep-seated inequalities.
“Islam must not be misused to justify the suppression of women’s rights,” Shaikh said, drawing attention to the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan.
Addressing the situation in Palestine, Shaikh highlighted what he termed a grave humanitarian crisis, cautioning that continued violence and impunity were destabilizing the region and undermining prospects for lasting peace.
He further reiterated Pakistan’s position that “self-determination is not for sale,” referring to the rights of people in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir under United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Shaikh said Pakistan remained committed to advancing dialogue and universal respect for human rights in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.
