President, PM say Pakistan committed to promote religious tolerance among nations

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promoting religious tolerance among nations around the world and ensuring a sense of security for Muslims, Radio Pakistan reported.

In their separate messages on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia being observed today, they called on the international community to strengthen legal safeguards against hate crimes.

President Asif Ali Zardari said the day calls attention to the rise in prejudice and violence faced by Muslim communities and the need for tolerance and respect for religious diversity.

He said attempts to link Islam with extremism or violence reflect ignorance and weaken efforts to promote dialogue and mutual understanding among civilizations.

In his message, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said social intolerance is a cause of weakening values such as fundamental religious freedom and mutual unity and tolerance.

Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has always raised its voice against Islamophobia in responsible manner at all international forums.

Separately, Foreign Minister Ishaq Darp urged the international community to unite against rising Islamophobia, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to promoting tolerance, respect and peaceful coexistence among religions and cultures.

He noted that Pakistan, in close cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), played a crucial role in the United Nations General Assembly decision to designate March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, calling it a milestone in global efforts to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence among religions, cultures and civilizations.

Highlighting recent trends, the deputy prime minister said the rise in Islamophobia has manifested in troubling incidents across the world, including desecration of the Holy Quran, attacks on women wearing the hijab, vandalism of mosques and increasing anti-Muslim rhetoric in public discourse and media.

Such acts, he said, exacerbate tensions and conflicts, creating a vicious cycle that threatens international peace and security.