Amid a rising tide of anti-Muslim hate, Pakistan has renewed its call for an “action plan” to tackle the pressing issue of Islamophobia. Speaking at a side-event of the 10th Global Forum of the U.N. Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) recently held in Cascais, Portugal, Additional Foreign Secretary, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering commitment” to combating this scourage, according to a press release issued in New York. At the same time, he reiterated Pakistan’s deep concern over the continued rise of Islamophobia, as manifested in the continued desecration of religious symbols, demolition of mosques and other Islamic religious and heritage sites, hate speech and disturbing attacks on Muslims, “particularly in the territories under foreign occupation”.

The UN Alliance of Civilizations was established in 2005 to galvanize international action against extremism through fostering of international, intercultural and interreligious dialogue and cooperation. The Alliance benefits from a political support of the Group of Friends, a community of countries and international organizations which actively promotes its objectives and work at the global, regional and local levels, as well as worldwide. The Group is a driving force of UNAOC and plays a vital role in its strategic planning and implementation process. The group currently includes 153 members, with 124 UN member states, 1 non-member state, and 28 international organizations, representing all continents, societies and cultures. In his remarks, Imran Siddiqui said commended the Alliance’s contributions over the past two decades in fostering dialogue and mutual respect among religions.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)