Pakistan observes International Day to Combat Islamophobia

Pakistan observes International Day to Combat Islamophobia as one of the OIC countries today (Monday).

Other member countries of OIC are also observing International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

Pakistan observes International Day to Combat Islamophobia

The OIC will also hold a high level event in New York on 17th March to mark the occasion.

In a statement on Monday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said Pakistan has always supported and continues to lead international efforts for building bridges between cultures and civilizations.

He further said through observance of this day, we want to build better understanding of Islam and Islamic precepts.

The spokesman said we intend to send a message of international solidarity and cooperation.

He said we remain determined to promote values of peaceful coexistence as well as interfaith and cultural harmony.

He said the OIC’s unanimous support for the designation of this day is a reflection of the sentiments of billions of Muslims around the world.

The spokesperson said Prime Minister Imran Khan has been leading the international voice in raising awareness on the grave consequences of rising systematic Islamophobia.

Moreover, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said PM was also promoting interfaith harmony.

Pakistan pioneered the day

In line with the Prime Minister’s vision, Pakistan presented a resolution to designate 15th March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia at the 47th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in Niamey, Niger last year.

The meeting adopted that resolution unanimously.

Furthermore, the OIC is now working with the international community to commemorate this day at the global level.

The spokesperson further pointed out that the scourge of Islamophobia fuelled by populism, hate speech and lack of knowledge and disinformation, is causing unimaginable suffering to Muslim minorities around the world.

Meanwhile, Islamophobia has taken many forms.

They include: negative profiling, mob lynching by cow vigilantes, discriminatory laws, attacks on women for wearing hijabs.

Moreover, he noted ban on minarets, negative propaganda and disinformation campaigns, manifestos of far right parties as more examples.

He also cited examples such as deliberate vandalism of Islamic symbols and holy sites and attempts to link and equate Islam with terrorism.

He further said such act imperils our shared aspirations for a peaceful world and harmonious future for all.

GTV