Pakistan, Indonesia, and Turkiye Advocate for Unified Effort to Combat Islamophobia
NEW YORK: Pakistan, Türkiye, and Indonesia Reaffirm Commitment to Combat Islamophobia Amid Rising Anti-Muslim Hate
In response to a growing wave of anti-Muslim sentiment, senior diplomats from Pakistan, Türkiye, and Indonesia reaffirmed their collective commitment to combating Islamophobia, advocating for peace, tolerance, and inter-religious dialogue at an event hosted by the Turkish Consulate General in New York.
During the event, Pakistan’s Consul General, Aamer Ahmad Atozai, emphasized the core Islamic principles of moderation, pluralism, compassion, and tolerance. He addressed the misrepresentation of Islam by a minority of extremists and the troubling rise in Islamophobia since 9/11, which includes hate speech, violence, and institutional discrimination against Muslims.
Atozai highlighted the active roles of Pakistan, Türkiye, and Indonesia in the recent adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on “Measures to Combat Islamophobia,” which calls for the appointment of a United Nations Special Envoy to address Islamophobia.
Condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza as a manifestation of global Islamophobia, Atozai shed light on various incidents worldwide, including hate speech, targeted attacks, and discrimination against Muslims. He also drew attention to the systematic destruction of religious sites and other Islamophobic actions in India, as well as the significant military presence and discriminatory policies in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir aimed at altering the region’s demographic composition.
The event featured a panel discussion with notable speakers who analyzed different aspects of Islamophobia. Associate Prof. Dr. Enes Bayrakli from Türkiye discussed the nature and origins of Islamophobia, while Dr. Imam Shams Ali from Indonesia examined the contributing factors and proposed strategies to combat it. Pakistani journalist Raza Ahmad Rumi highlighted the dangerous manifestations of Islamophobia, particularly in India, and the urgent need for effective countermeasures.
