PTI condemns rising Islamophobia, calls for global action against anti-Muslim hatred

• CIS Sheikh Waqas says Muslims increasingly targeted in Western countries, urging stronger legal frameworks against hate speech and religious discrimination

• Credits Imran Khan for raising issue globally, leading to UN recognition of March 15

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday strongly condemned the rising prejudice, hatred, and discrimination against Islam and Muslims around the world, saying such acts of intolerance not only violate fundamental human rights but also undermine the principles of tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence necessary for building harmonious and inclusive societies.

In a statement issued on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said that, in recent years, Islamophobia had emerged as a deeply concerning trend in several Western countries, where Muslims were increasingly being targeted and discriminated against because of their religious beliefs, traditional dress, and cultural identity.

He said the world must recognise that Islam is a religion that promotes peace, tolerance, justice, and compassion. Targeting the faith of more than 1.5 billion Muslims because of the actions of a few individuals was not only unjust but also detrimental to global harmony and peace.

Sheikh Waqas said that PTI Chairman-for-life and former prime minister Imran Khan had forcefully raised the issue of Islamophobia during his tenure in government and consistently highlighted it at international forums, including the United Nations. As a result of these efforts, he said, the UN officially recognised March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, acknowledging Pakistan’s leadership and Imran Khan’s persistent advocacy on the issue.

“Today, the global community must move beyond mere statements and take concrete steps to effectively counter Islamophobia. The religious sentiments of Muslims must be respected, and strong legal frameworks should be introduced to prevent hate speech, discrimination, and all forms of religious intolerance,” he said.

He added that Islamophobia fuels the politics of hatred and division, stressing that sustainable global peace could only be achieved when all religions and cultures were respected and prejudice against any faith or community was actively discouraged.

“PTI calls upon the international community, the United Nations, and human rights organisations to take serious notice of the rising incidents of Islamophobia and adopt effective measures to end hatred, discriminatory laws, and violence against Muslims,” he said.

The PTI leader said the day also served as a reminder of the urgent need to promote interfaith harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect worldwide in order to build a peaceful and just global society.