Pakistan’s FM urges UN chief to convene global dialogue on countering Islamophobia

Pakistan's FM urges UN chief to convene global dialogue on countering Islamophobia

Islamabad (UNA-OIC) – Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday called upon the UN Secretary-General to convene a global dialogue on countering rising Islamophobia and promoting inter-faith harmony, as a step to foster engagement.
“The way forward is dialogue and understanding. Only if we are able to better understand each other’s perspectives, will we be able to create peaceful and harmonious societies. The United Nations is the best platform to nurture this understanding,” said Qureshi.
He was virtually addressing the high-level event in commemoration of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Group in New York.
The foreign minister thanked the OIC Group in New York for organizing the high-level event, which he said will send a clear message against contemporary challenges of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, negative stereotyping and stigmatization.
He said that the commemoration of the day besides helping in raising international awareness about increasing Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiments and will also promote the message of tolerance, peaceful co-existence and interfaith and cultural harmony.
“The idea behind commemorating this day is to exhibit unfettered solidarity with humanity, convey a strong message of respect for human dignity, and reiterate our common commitment to ‘unity in diversity’.”
“This day is about uniting, not dividing. Let us not allow those who want to divide us, to negatively portray this day as being against any region, religion or country,” the top Pakistani diplomat added.
https://www.app.com.pk/national/fm-urges-un-secretary-general-to-convene-global-dialogue-on-countering-islamophobia-promoting-inter-faith-harmony/
 

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