Islamabad, Pakistan has emphasized the necessity to confront the foundational causes of terrorism during the Open Meeting of the 1373 Counter Terrorism Committee held in New York. Addressing the attendees, Jawad Ajmal, the First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations, pinpointed significant causative factors such as injustice, oppression, unlawful foreign occupations, and the stifling of the right to self-determination. Ajmal asserted that the neglect of these primary human rights and instances of state-sponsored terrorism could potentially fuel violent extremist narratives.
According to a news release by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, The First Secretary also accentuated the role of technology corporations, internet service providers, and social media platforms in regulating content to avert the dissemination of hate, xenophobia, and notably Islamophobia, which perpetuates animosity towards distinct populations and countries. He underscored the need to strengthen state agencies’ capabilities in tackling cyber-terrorism. Furthermore, Ajmal advocated for a comprehensive global strategy that educates and warns the youth and susceptible groups about the risks linked with radicalization and online recruitment.
Closing his address, Ajmal remarked on the immediate requirement to restructure the existing global counter-terrorism infrastructure. He emphasized addressing evolving terrorism facets, such as state terrorism and burgeoning right-wing extremist movements. The aim is to devise standards grounded in principles and to challenge narratives that inadvertently encourage the marginalization of Islam and Muslims.