President, PM call for collective global efforts to end rising islamophobia

Islamabad (Web Desk): On the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for collective global efforts to eliminate hatred and prejudice against Muslims.

In his message, President Zardari said that Islam is a religion that promotes peace, compassion, and justice, and linking it with extremism reflects a lack of understanding.

He urged the international community to strengthen legislation against hate crimes and ensure that freedom of expression is not misused to spread hostility or discrimination.

The president also emphasised the importance of respecting religious diversity and promoting interfaith harmony, describing the Christchurch mosque shootings as a tragedy that deeply shook the conscience of humanity.

President Zardari further noted that overseas Pakistanis are making significant contributions to the development of the societies where they live, but rising prejudice against Muslims undermines their sense of security.

He said Pakistan is committed to protecting minority rights at home, adding that the National Commission for Minorities Rights Act 2025 has been enacted and will lead to the establishment of an independent National Commission.

In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the day serves as a global call to end discrimination and hostility against Islam and Muslims.

Referring to the United Nations (UN) resolution marking the day, he stressed that social intolerance weakens fundamental religious freedoms and mutual respect among communities.

He added that civilised societies do not discriminate in human rights on the basis of faith and reaffirmed Pakistan’s condemnation of all forms of Islamophobia.

The prime minister also said that Islam conveys a universal message of peace and harmony for all humanity, and associating it with extremism is clearly rooted in ignorance.

PM Shehbaz reiterated that Pakistan will continue to play its role internationally to promote religious tolerance and safeguard Muslim communities around the world.