ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday urged the international community to take stronger action against Islamophobia, saying prejudice and discrimination against Muslims threaten religious freedom and social harmony.
Sharif made the remarks in a message marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on March 15, observed annually after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for global efforts to counter anti-Muslim discrimination.
The observance comes amid growing concerns among Muslim-majority countries about incidents of hate speech, discrimination and violence against Muslims in parts of the world.
Pakistan has long pushed for international recognition of Islamophobia as a form of religious intolerance.
“Today, the International Day to Combat Islamophobia is a global voice condemning prejudice against Islam and Muslims,” Sharif said in a statement issued by his office.
