ISLAMABAD: Speakers at roundtable on significance of international solidarity to combat Islamophobia underscored the growing trend of hatred towards Muslims in western and non-western parts of world urging major consensus and cooperation to overcome menace.

To commemorate International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), hosted roundtable discussion, ‘Importance of Global Solidarity to Combat Islamophobia’, bringing to fore global dialogue aimed at addressing prejudices, intolerance, violence and injustices faced by Muslims worldwide, news release said.

Dr. Qibla Ayaz Chairman of Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), Ambassadors of Iran and Turkiye and noted academic and senior Foreign Office official joined as panelist.

Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam enriched discussion by contextualising Islamophobia within broader historical and geopolitical narratives. His critique of Islamophobia as tool for political manipulation and his call for unity among Muslim nations underscored importance of solidarity and collective identity in overcoming adversities.

Ambassador of Türkiye Dr. Mehmet Paçaci pointed to alarming rise of Islamophobia globally, especially in Western and certain non-Western countries including India. His discourse on political misuse of Islamophobia and urgent need for international accountability and cooperation offered compelling call to action for both Muslim and non-Muslim countries to address this pressing issue.

Dr. Neelum Nigar Director CSP thanked esteemed panelists and other participants and emphasied the importance of combating Islamophobia in contemporary times, which is marred by multiple global conflicts and issues.

DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted journey since March 2019 Christchurch terrorist attacks in New Zealand, highlighting pivotal moments and global actions including Pakistan’s leading role in OIC and UN General Assembly, culminating in designation of March 15 as ‘International Day to Combat Islamophobia.’

While tracing evolution and myriad manifestations of Islamophobia in recent decades, he emphasised that Islamophobia was not just prevalent in some Western countries but in non-Western parts of world as well, including in Pakistan’s neighbourhood where it was growing in wake of ‘Hindutva’ ideology. Noting that world was experiencing extreme levels of tumult, he stressed that this was time to build bridges, not to accentuate religious or cultural fault-lines or create further divisions. People of goodwill in all faiths should come forward and play their part in forging greater mutual respect, understanding and inter-faith harmony, he concluded. Special video message by Secretary General of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Hissein Brahim Taha was shared. Secretary General emphasised urgent need to combat and address widespread prejudice and discrimination against Muslims globally and importance of fostering culture of tolerance, respect and mutual understanding across different faiths and communities.

Dr Muhammad Israr Madani from Islamic Research Council of Religious Affairs, provided scholarly exposition on multifaceted nature of Islamophobia, tracing its historical roots and present-day manifestations. His analytical insights into contributing factors of Islamophobia, from media misrepresentation to socio-political dynamics in Western countries, offered comprehensive overview of complexities involved.

Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Additional Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs delved into political and legal dimensions of Islamophobia, advocating for balanced approach between freedom of expression and respect for religious sentiments. His call for utilising international human rights frameworks as common ground for dialogue and action resonated with audience, highlighting significance of diplomacy and legal recourse in combating Islamophobia.

Chief Guest Dr. Qibla Ayaz delivered an illuminating address, providing deep historical insight into Islamophobia, identifying its roots and evolution over centuries. Dr. Ayaz recommended fostering deeper understanding of Western cultures, promoting inter-faith dialogues and the strategic use of media and academia to combat Islamophobia highlighting path toward mutual respect and understanding. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood Chairman BOG ISSI presented participants of discussion with ISSI mementos.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 16 2024

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