Karachi/Lahore: As International Day to Combat Islamophobia is being observed globally, Pakistan Peoples’ Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz demanded concrete measures against discriminative actions and unfair treatment with Muslims around world.

“Islamophobia undermines very essence of our shared humanity and principles of tolerance, compassion and pluralism,” Bilawal said in his message on International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

Bilawal emphasised significance of International Day to Combat Islamophobia as poignant reminder of urgent need to raise awareness, foster mutual respect and understanding and implement concrete strategies to eradicate this contemporary scourge from our communities.

“It is imperative that we confront Islamophobia head-on and work tirelessly to dismantle stereotypes and misconceptions that perpetuate it,” he added.

Islam, he said, as religion of moderation and peace, advocates embracing diversity and treating all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their faith or background.

He pointed out that since 9/11, there has been marked escalation in animosity and institutional suspicion directed towards Muslims and Islam worldwide.

“Together, let us work towards world where Islamophobia is eradicated and where every individual can live with dignity, security and freedom,” Bilawal urged.

In her message on day, Maryam Nawaz said Muslims were being treated unfairly, and faced discriminative behaviour across globe due to Islamophobia, which is same reason for oppression of people in Palestine and Kashmir. She called for effective measures to eradicate Islamophobic actions.

In March 2022, United Nations finally recognised grave Islamophobia challenge confronting world and designated March 15 as International Day to Combat Islamophobia, after General Assembly adopted resolution sponsored by 60 Member-States of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 16 2024

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