ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday voiced concern over rising Islamophobia worldwide at an interactive dialogue at the United Nations (UN), demanding world action and urging respect for diversity.
The Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues is an event held within the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, where states and experts discuss the rights and protections of minority groups.
Recent dialogues have featured discussions on rising Islamophobia, the impact of discriminatory policies for minorities in certain countries, and the need for greater protection and promotion of minority rights.
Speaking at the dialogue, Saima Saleem, a counsellor at Pakistan’s UN mission, said that respect for diversity and protection of minorities are indispensable for achieving peace, justice and inclusive development.
“We are gravely concerned over the rising tide of Islamophobia, intolerance and right-wing extremism targeting minorities, particularly Muslims worldwide,” she was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s UN mission.
