ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed serious concern over what he described as a growing global wave of Islamophobia, warning that anti-Muslim prejudice is intensifying tensions and could undermine international peace and security.
In a statement issued on Sunday to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, observed annually on March 15, Dar said recent years have witnessed a troubling increase in incidents targeting Muslims and Islamic symbols in several parts of the world.
According to the foreign minister, manifestations of Islamophobia include the desecration of the Holy Quran, attacks on Muslim women for wearing the hijab, vandalism of mosques, religious profiling, and the spread of anti-Muslim rhetoric in public discourse and media.
He stressed that such hostility not only harms Muslim communities but also fuels broader instability. “Islamophobia exacerbates existing tensions and conflicts, creating a vicious cycle that threatens international peace and security,” Dar said.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance, the deputy prime minister said the country stands in solidarity with Muslim communities worldwide and remains committed to combating prejudice, discrimination, and violence directed at Muslims.
Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s role at the international level, noting that Islamabad worked closely with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to secure a landmark decision at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designating March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
He described the resolution as a significant step toward promoting religious harmony, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among diverse cultures and faiths.
Pakistan has also been instrumental in advancing another UNGA resolution aimed at strengthening international responses to Islamophobia. The initiative called for the appointment of a United Nations special envoy dedicated to addressing anti-Muslim hatred worldwide.
Dar welcomed the appointment of Miguel Ángel Moratinos as the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia in May 2025, as well as the earlier appointment of a special envoy by the OIC Secretary-General in May 2024. He said these steps reflect growing international recognition of the seriousness of the issue.
The foreign minister further revealed that Pakistan is working with OIC member states and the UN envoy on developing a comprehensive UN Plan of Action designed to better understand, prevent, and counter Islamophobia globally.
He emphasized that tackling the issue requires collective commitment from the international community.
“The world must stand united in condemning Islamophobia and address the structural conditions that allow it to persist,” Dar said, urging governments to promote dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding between communities.
Pakistan, he added, will continue advocating for policies and initiatives that uphold tolerance, dignity, and peaceful coexistence among all religions and cultures.
