New York: Pakistan has called for comprehensive international efforts to combat the growing threat of Islamophobia. At a high-level event marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia at the United Nations Headquarters, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, emphasized the deep-rooted presence of Islamophobia in public discourse, institutional practices, and political narratives.

According to Radio Pakistan, Ahmad noted that negative stereotypes portraying Muslims as inherently suspect are increasingly influencing policies worldwide, with fear and division being exploited for political purposes. He highlighted that Islamophobia also manifests in attacks on visible expressions and symbols of faith, such as vandalism of mosques, desecration of the Holy Qur’an, and targeting of Muslim women for their attire. Ahmad expressed concern over the erasure of Muslim cultural and religious heritage in some regions, labeling it an assault on the history and identity of entire communities.

Ahmad proposed a principled and multi-dimensional response to address Islamophobia, stressing the need for the full implementation of international human rights law, strengthening national legal frameworks to combat hate crimes, and ensuring accountability for perpetrators. He also called for enhanced cooperation among the United Nations, Member States, and technology companies to regulate online spaces and curb hate speech and incitement to violence. Ahmad urged the international community to move beyond mere expressions of concern and adopt concrete actions, including an early adoption of a comprehensive UN Action Plan to Combat Islamophobia.