Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a message on the occasion of International Day to combat Islamophobia, reminding the world the serious challenges with Muslims faced due to discrimination, hatred and increasing attacks against their sacred symbols and their places of worship.
Prime Minister Sharif stressed the importance of this day, which was recognized by the United Nations General Assembly three years ago, as an appeal for action against the increase in Islamophobia in the world.
He declared that the day reflects the collective desire of the international community to resolve this issue by solid legislative and political actions.
Pakistan, which led the UN in this important initiative, also welcomed the measures taken by the Member States to deal with discrimination against Muslims, including the declaration of profanation of the Koran as illegal.
The Prime Minister called for an urgent action to fight against the dangerous wave of Islamophobia and to approach blatant violations of human rights and religious freedoms. He stressed that there is no justification for missing religious symbols under the cover of freedom of expression.
Sharif also stressed that respect for all religions and their venerated personalities is essential for world peace and harmony.
He called on international forums to recognize the deep damage caused by such actions and to work collectively to prevent them.
That day, Pakistan reaffirmed its application for action against the incidents of profanation of the Koran, attacks of mosque and other forms of religious intolerance targeting Muslims.
The Prime Minister expressed anticipation for the appointment of a United Nations special envoy to address Islamophobia, as decided by the United Nations General Assembly.
