Pakistan has called for concerted global action to address the evolving threat of Islamophobia.
In his remarks at the High-Level Event marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia at the United Nations Headquarters, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said Islamophobia has become entrenched in public discourse, institutional practices, and political narratives.
He further said stereotypes portraying Muslims as inherently suspect are increasingly shaping policies, while fear and division are being exploited for political gain.
Asim Iftikhar highlighted that Islamophobia also manifests in attacks on visible expressions and symbols of faith, including vandalism of mosques, desecration of the Holy Qur’an, and the targeting of Muslim women because of their attire. He further expressed concern over the erasure of Muslim cultural and religious heritage in certain regions, calling it an assault on the history and identity of entire communities.
Outlining a way forward, he called for a principled and multi-dimensional response. This includes full implementation of international human rights law; strengthening national legal and institutional frameworks to combat hate crimes; and ensuring accountability for perpetrators. It also calls for enhanced cooperation among the United Nations, Member States, and technology companies to regulate online spaces and curb hate speech and incitement to violence.
Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stressed that the international community must move beyond expressions of concern toward concrete, collective action, including the early adoption of a comprehensive UN Action Plan to Combat Islamophobia.
