ISLAMABAD: The speakers at a roundtable discussion have stressed the need to forge unity among Muslim world to counter growing trend of hatred towards Muslims in the western and non-western parts of the world.
The discussion titled, “Importance of Global Solidarity to Combat Islamophobia” was organized by Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), to commemorate the International Day to Fight Islamophobia on Friday.
A news release said that the global dialogue was aimed at addressing the intolerance, violence, prejudices, and injustices faced by Muslims across the world.
Dr. Qibla Ayaz, Chairman of the Council of the Islamic Ideology (CII), was the chief guest on the occasion while Ambassadors of Iran and Turkiye joined as panelists.
Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director CSP In her introductory remarks, stressed the importance of fighting Islamophobia in contemporary times, which is marred by multiple international conflicts and issues.
DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his views, highlighted the journey since the March 2019 Christchurch terrorist attacks in New Zealand, highlighting the pivotal moments and international actions, including Pakistan’s leading role in the OIC and the UN General Assembly.
He added that Islamophobia is not just prevalent in Western states but in non-Western parts of the world as well, including in Pakistan’s neighbourhood where it was growing in the wake of the ‘Hindutva’ ideology.
Noting that the world is facing extreme tumult, he stressed that this is the time to build bridges. He said that people of all faiths should come forward and play their role in forging greater understanding, mutual respect and inter-faith harmony.
Urged need stressed to fight widespread prejudice
On the occasion a special video message by Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha for the occasion was also played. The Secretary General stressed the urgent need to fight and address the widespread prejudice and discrimination against Muslims all over the world and the importance of fostering a culture of tolerance, mutual understanding and respect across different faiths and communities.
Dr. Muhammad Israr Madani from the Islamic Research Council of Religious Affairs analyzed the multifaceted nature of Islamophobia.
Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Additional Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), discussed the political and legal dimensions of Islamophobia. He called for a balanced approach between freedom of expression and respect for religious sentiments.
Ambassador of the Iran, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam contextualized Islamophobia within the broader historical and geopolitical narratives. He called for bringing unity among Muslim country and underscored the importance of solidarity and collective identity in overcoming adversities.
Ambassador of Türkiye, Dr. Mehmet Paçaci referred to the alarming rise of Islamophobia at the international level, especially in the Western and some non-Western nations including India.
His slammed on the political misuse of Islamophobia and the called for international accountability and cooperation for both Muslim and non-Muslim countries to address this issue.
Chief Guest Dr. Qibla Ayaz in his remarks provided deep historical insight into Islamophobia, identifying its roots and evolution over the centuries. He proposed to fostering deeper understanding of Western cultures, the strategic use of media and academia and promoting inter-faith dialogues to fight Islamophobia.
