New York (Web Desk): Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has said that Pakistan will persist in advocating dialogue, interfaith cooperation and education as essential means to counter the rising phenomenon of Islamophobia.
In a message issued on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, he stated that Pakistan also urges the international community to rely on dialogue and understanding while firmly rejecting divisive forces driven by discrimination, exclusion, racism and intolerance.
The ambassador noted that the day provides an important moment to express solidarity with those affected by Islamophobia.
He said it also draws attention to the serious risks the issue poses to the lives, dignity and cultural heritage of Muslims, while renewing global determination to confront Islamophobia in all its manifestations.
Asim Iftikhar Ahmad observed that Islamophobia appears in different forms, including violent assaults targeting Muslims, destruction of mosques and acts of desecration of Holy Quran to disparaging Muslims' cultural and religious symbols like hijab.
“Pakistan is currently working in coordination with like-minded countries and the United Nations to establish a comprehensive mechanism aimed at identifying, tracking and addressing Islamophobic narratives, trends and incidents around the world,” Ambassador Asim asserted.