Islamabad is calling for decisive international action to combat Islamophobia, urging the global community to address the systemic conditions enabling anti-Muslim bigotry. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stresses the critical need for a united front, particularly as anti-Islam sentiment escalates across various regions.

Speaking on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Dar highlighted Pakistan's active collaboration with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) members. This partnership aims to develop a comprehensive UN Plan of Action designed to understand, prevent, and ultimately eliminate the challenges posed by Islamophobia.

Pakistan has played a pivotal role in these international efforts, notably contributing to a UN General Assembly resolution focused on strengthening global initiatives against Islamophobia. This resolution also led to the request for a UN Special Envoy to address this pressing issue.

Global Initiatives to Counter Islamophobia

The nation welcomes the appointment of a United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia in May 2025, alongside the OIC Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Combating Islamophobia, appointed in May 2024. These appointments reflect a growing international commitment to tackling this issue through coordinated and sustained efforts.

Pakistan urges all countries to undertake consistent endeavors that foster mutual respect, dialogue, and understanding among diverse communities. The government emphasizes upholding universal values of tolerance, dignity, and peaceful coexistence.

Escalating Anti-Muslim Rhetoric

The foreign minister's call comes amidst an alarming rise in anti-Islam sentiment, particularly evident among certain US lawmakers following recent conflicts in the Middle East. Several Republican members of Congress have recently faced criticism for sharing overtly Islamophobic messages on social media platforms.

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) drew condemnation for a post targeting New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, which included an image referencing the September 11, 2001, attacks. Such rhetoric fuels prejudice and division.

Representative Randy Fine (R-Fla.) explicitly stated on X, “We need more Islamophobia, not less. Fear of Islam is rational.” This declaration sparked widespread outrage and concern.

Furthermore, Representative Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) claimed that no country becomes “freer and safer because Muslims moved there,” labeling immigration a “national security threat.” Earlier, he asserted that “Muslims don’t belong in American society.”

Representative Brandon Gill (R-Texas) also faced backlash after advocating for “no more Muslims immigrating to America,” underscoring a concerning trend of anti-Muslim bigotry among some political figures. Critically, there has been minimal censure for these remarks from either the Republican party leadership or the US government.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s main opposition party, PTI, condemns the escalating wave of prejudice, hatred, and discrimination targeting Muslims. The party credits its founder, former premier Imran Khan, with consistently raising the issue of Islamophobia on international platforms.

The PTI statement highlights that Islamophobia has become a dangerous trend in several Western nations, where Muslims face discrimination based on their religious beliefs. The party emphasizes that Islam promotes peace, tolerance, justice, and humanity, asserting that targeting a faith adhered to by over 1.5 billion people based on the actions of a few individuals is both unjust and a threat to global peace.

Source: Dawn - Home