Pakistan has expressed grave concern over the global surge in Islamophobia, intolerance, and right-wing extremism, particularly targeting Muslims, during a session of the United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee.
Addressing the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Pakistan’s Counsellor Saima Saleem emphasized that the weaponization of religion for political ends and the vilification of entire communities are posing serious threats to peace, justice, and inclusive development worldwide.
Pakistan reaffirms constitutional commitment to minority rights
In her remarks, Saima Saleem thanked Special Rapporteur Nicolas Levrat for his comprehensive report and reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for the promotion and protection of minority rights.
She highlighted that Pakistan’s commitment to minority rights is deeply rooted in its Constitution and inspired by the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who championed equality, tolerance, and freedom of religion for all citizens.
Saleem noted that Pakistan continues to strengthen inclusion and dignity for all communities through institutional frameworks such as the National Commission for Minorities and the National Commission for Human Rights.
Steps to ensure inclusion, empowerment, social harmony
The Pakistani envoy detailed several measures undertaken by the government to empower minority communities, including reserved seats in parliament and local bodies, welfare funds, scholarships, and the restoration of worship sites.
She also emphasized that judicial and administrative mechanisms provide redress against discrimination, while educational reforms are being introduced to promote tolerance, mutual respect, and social cohesion across communities.
Pakistan condemns Islamophobia, extremism worldwide
Saima Saleem expressed Pakistan’s “grave concern” over the rising tide of Islamophobia, intolerance, and right-wing extremism targeting Muslims worldwide.
She warned that the weaponization of religion for political purposes and the systematic marginalization of Muslims in certain regions were deeply alarming trends that demand urgent global attention.
Pakistan accuses India of institutionalised discrimination
In a strongly worded statement, the Pakistani representative accused India of adopting discriminatory citizenship laws and embracing extremist ideologies that threaten cultural and religious diversity.
She cited attacks on places of worship, disinformation campaigns, calls for genocide, and hateful political rhetoric as examples of how India’s state policies have fuelled intolerance and undermined minority rights.
“These practices not only violate human rights but also endanger inclusive development and international peace,” she warned, urging the international community to act with “solidarity and moral clarity” to hold perpetrators accountable.
Call for collective global response, dialogue
Counsellor Saleem reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promoting understanding, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence among faiths and cultures.
She called on the global community to transform diversity into strength and differences into mutual respect, reaffirming that respect for diversity is a universal obligation, not a selective choice.
“Pakistan will continue to play its constructive role in advancing interfaith harmony and protecting minority rights, both at home and globally,” she concluded.
