KARACHI: The growing erosion in compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) in contemporary conflict settings underscores the need to revisit ethical frameworks and enhance the role of religious communities in promoting humanitarian norms, protecting human dignity, and fostering accountability.
Speakers, at a conference titled “Eroding Compliance of IHL and Role of Religious Communities,” emphasised that Islamic traditions offer significant guidance for regulating conduct during armed conflict and safeguarding non-combatants.
The conference was organised by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Karachi and Mufti Munib ur Rahman, Mufti Abdur Rahim, Prof Dr Anis Ahmad, Dr Mohsin Naqvi, Dr Nigar Sajjad Zaheer, Dr Umair Mahmood Siddiqui, Dr Hafiz Muhammad Sani, IPS Chairman Khalid Rahman, and Regional Advisor ICRC Dr Ziaullah Rahmani and other were among the prominent speakers.
The first session highlighted the increasing disregard for established norms governing armed conflict, noting that violations of IHL have become more visible in recent global crises.
Speakers underscored the importance of bridging legal frameworks with moral and religious values to strengthen compliance.
The keynote address by Dr Anis Ahmad reflected on the causes and manifestations of declining adherence to humanitarian principles and called for greater engagement by Muslim societies in upholding ethical conduct in times of conflict.
In the second session, panelists deliberated on the practical dimensions of the role of Muslim communities in promoting compliance with IHL in contemporary contexts. They emphasised the critical role of religious leaders and faith-based organisations in advocating humanitarian values, especially during crises. Speakers noted that strengthening institutional cooperation and public awareness remains essential for improving adherence to humanitarian standards.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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