ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has called upon the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to devise a coordinated and comprehensive strategy aimed at combatting the increasing incidents of anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia.
In a telephonic conversation with OIC Secretary-General Hissein Ibrahim Taha, Prime Minister Sharif expressed Pakistan’s strong condemnation of these deliberate and provocative acts that have deeply hurt the sentiments of Muslims worldwide.
During the call, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that the vilification of religion, revered religious figures, and symbols cannot be justified under the guise of freedom of expression and protest. He urged the OIC to raise global awareness about its perspective and work towards establishing legal and political deterrence against Islamophobic trends and incidents.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), H.E. Hissein Ibrahim Taha. pic.twitter.com/mcSKWAzYUO
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 7, 2023
PM Shehbaz Lauds OIC Chief’s Role
Prime Minister Sharif commended the OIC Secretary-General for his role in articulating the concerns and demands of the Muslim Ummah regarding Islamophobic acts. He also welcomed the urgent debate on the issue held at the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, stressing that the OIC should bring up the matter with the UN Secretary-General and other relevant forums within the UN system.
The OIC Secretary-General echoed Pakistan’s condemnation and shared concerns about the despicable acts of public desecration of the Holy Quran. He reiterated the OIC’s unwavering commitment to combatting the contemporary scourge of Islamophobia. The Secretary-General also praised Pakistan’s leading role in OIC deliberations, particularly regarding this issue.
The discussion between Prime Minister Sharif and the OIC Secretary-General highlights Pakistan’s determination to address the rising incidents of Islamophobia and seek international support in countering such acts of hatred and discrimination.
