UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has called on the international community to address the growing weaponisation of religion and rising Islamophobia, warning that such trends threaten peace, diversity and fundamental human rights.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, which deals with social, cultural and humanitarian issues, Pakistani delegate Saima Saleem said the world was witnessing “dangerous trends” including the vilification of entire communities and the political use of religious hatred.
“In our neighbourhood, we have witnessed the tragic consequences of extremist ideologies that seek to erase cultural and religious diversity,” Saleem said, referring to the situation in India.
She accused New Delhi of adopting “discriminatory citizenship laws, attacks on places of worship, disinformation campaigns, calls for genocide and hateful political rhetoric against minorities” as elements of official state policy.
Pakistan, she added, remained “gravely concerned” about the rise of Islamophobia, intolerance and right-wing extremism targeting Muslim communities around the world.
“Such practices not only violate human rights but also endanger inclusive development and international peace,” she cautioned, urging the UN to play a more active role in ensuring protection for minority groups under international law.
Highlighting Pakistan’s own record, Saleem said the country’s Constitution guarantees equality and freedom of religion for all citizens, in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
She noted that Pakistan had strengthened inclusion through institutional mechanisms such as the National Commissions for Minorities and Human Rights, and that minorities actively participate in governance through reserved parliamentary seats and local bodies.
