NEW YORK, Jun 06 (APP): In the face of escalating anti-Muslim sentiment, senior diplomats from Pakistan, Türkiye, and Indonesia reaffirmed their governments’ collective commitment to combat Islamophobia, advocating for peace, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue.
Speaking at an event co-hosted by the consulates general of the three Islamic countries at the Turkish Consulate General in New York, the diplomats emphasized the urgent need for united action.
The Consul General of Pakistan, Aamer Ahmad Atozai, stressed Islam’s foundational principles of moderation, pluralism, compassion, and tolerance. He condemned the misrepresentation of Islam by a minority of extremists and highlighted the alarming rise in Islamophobia since 9/11, marked by hate speech, violence, and institutional discrimination against Muslims.
Atozai underscored Pakistan’s active role, alongside Türkiye and Indonesia, in the recent adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on “Measures to Combat Islamophobia,” which calls for the appointment of a United Nations Special Envoy on combatting Islamophobia.
He condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as a stark reflection of global Islamophobia, shedding light on various Islamophobic incidents worldwide, including hate speech, targeted attacks, and discrimination against Muslims. Atozai also drew attention to the systematic destruction of religious sites in India and the significant military presence in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, criticizing India’s policies aimed at altering the region’s demographic composition.
The event included a panel discussion featuring distinguished speakers who examined different facets of Islamophobia. Associate Prof. Dr. Enes Bayrakli from Türkiye explored the origins and nature of Islamophobia, while Dr. Imam Shams Ali from Indonesia discussed contributing factors and proposed strategies to combat it. Pakistani journalist Raza Ahmad Rumi focused on the dangerous manifestations of Islamophobia, particularly in India, and stressed the urgent need for effective countermeasures.
The speakers emphasized the critical role of international cooperation and community engagement in addressing Islamophobia. The consuls general reiterated their governments’ dedication to promoting mutual respect and understanding among diverse communities and reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaborative efforts in this crucial endeavor.