PM, President call on world to combat Islamophobia and uphold Muslim rights

• PM Shehbaz, President Zardari reiterate Pakistan’s commitment to combating Islamophobia globally, urging global unity and tolerance

• Premier calls on world to fight Islamophobia on UN-designated International Day, highlighting rise in anti-Muslim prejudice

• President Zardari urges governments, media, and civil society to reject prejudice and promote dialogue

• DPM Dar cites global rise in attacks on Muslims, desecration of Quran, and mosque vandalism

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promoting religious tolerance globally and ensuring a sense of security for Muslims around the world.

In separate messages on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, they called on the international community to strengthen legal safeguards against hate crimes and prejudice targeting Muslim communities.

PM Shehbaz Sharif’s message

Marking the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said: “Today, the International Day for the Elimination of Islamophobia is a global voice condemning prejudice against Islam and Muslims.”

He highlighted the role of the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution in discouraging discriminatory and hateful behavior against Muslims worldwide. “Social intolerance weakens values such as fundamental religious freedom, mutual unity, and tolerance,” he said.

The premier added, “Today is a day for the global sense of protection for Muslims against religious prejudice and violent incidents. Civilized societies do not discriminate in human rights on the basis of beliefs, but uphold mutual respect and sacrifice.”

He emphasised that Pakistan condemns all forms of Islamophobia. “In accordance with Islamic teachings and international law, all human beings have equal rights,” he said, adding, “Islam is a message of peace and harmony for all mankind. Attributing Islam to extremist views is blatant ignorance.”

President Asif Zardari’s message

In his separate message, President Asif Ali Zardari urged governments, civil society organisations, media, and religious leaders worldwide to reject prejudice and work collectively through dialogue and lawful means to combat Islamophobia.

He noted that the occasion, observed following a UN General Assembly resolution, serves as a reminder to stand against hatred, discrimination, and intolerance directed at Muslims globally.

“The day calls attention to the rise in prejudice and violence faced by Muslim communities and underscores the need for tolerance and respect for religious diversity,” he said.

President Zardari added, “Islam teaches peace, compassion, and justice. It calls for respect for all humanity, regardless of faith, race, or background. Attempts to link Islam with extremism or violence reflect ignorance and weaken efforts to promote dialogue and mutual understanding among civilisations.”

He cited the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, noting: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Article 2 guarantees these rights without distinction, including religion. These principles remain central to a just international order.”

The president said Pakistan has ratified multiple human rights conventions and consistently speaks out against Islamophobia at international forums. “Freedom of expression is a fundamental right, but it carries responsibility. It must not be used to incite hatred or division. The international community should strengthen legal safeguards against hate crimes and promote practical cooperation among faith leaders, educators, and media organisations,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s remarks

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan remains firmly committed to advancing international efforts to counter Islamophobia.

He highlighted the alarming rise in Islamophobia, noting incidents including the desecration of the Holy Quran, attacks on women wearing the hijab, vandalism of mosques, religious profiling, and public expressions of anti-Muslim hatred in media and discourse.

Ishaq Dar said Pakistan played a pivotal role in the UN General Assembly’s historic decision to designate March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

He urged the international community to stand united in condemning Islamophobia while also addressing the structural conditions that allow it to flourish.