Pakistan’s senior leadership on Sunday called upon the international community to reinforce legal safeguards against hate crimes, citing a disturbing global increase in Islamophobia that includes desecration of the Holy Quran, attacks on women for wearing the hijab, and vandalism of mosques.
The calls came in separate messages from the nation”s president, prime minister, and foreign minister to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both reiterated Pakistan”s pledge to promote religious tolerance among nations and ensure a sense of security for Muslims worldwide.
President Zardari stated that the day serves to draw attention to the surge in prejudice and violence confronting Muslim communities, underscoring the need for tolerance and respect for religious diversity. He remarked that any attempts to link Islam with extremism or violence are a reflection of ignorance and undermine efforts to foster dialogue and mutual understanding between civilizations.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted that social intolerance is a cause for the erosion of fundamental values such as religious freedom, mutual unity, and tolerance. He emphasised that Pakistan has consistently and responsibly raised its voice against Islamophobia at all international forums.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described the manifestations of rising anti-Muslim sentiment as “deeply troubling incidents,” which also include religious profiling and the open expression of hatred in public discourse and media.
Mr Dar highlighted that Pakistan played a crucial role in the United Nations General Assembly”s historic decision to designate 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. He affirmed that Pakistan remains firmly committed to furthering global efforts to counter this prejudice.
The Deputy Prime Minister concluded by urging the international community to stand united in condemning Islamophobia while simultaneously addressing the structural conditions that permit it to flourish.