Pakistan committed to promote religious tolerance among nations: President, PM

Islamabad:President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reiterated Pakistan's commitment to promoting religious tolerance among nations around the world and ensuring a sense of security for Muslims.

In their separate messages on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia being observed today, they called on the international community to strengthen legal safeguards against hate crimes. 

President Asif Ali Zardari said the day calls attention to the rise in prejudice and violence faced by Muslim communities and the need for tolerance and respect for religious diversity.

He said attempts to link Islam with extremism or violence reflect ignorance and weaken efforts to promote dialogue and mutual understanding among civilizations.

In his message, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said social intolerance is a cause of weakening values such as fundamental religious freedom and mutual unity and tolerance.

Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has always raised its voice against Islamophobia in responsible manner at all international forums.  

In his message Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan remains firmly committed to advancing international efforts to counter Islamophobia.

He said the alarming rise in Islamophobia has manifested in deeply troubling incidents across many parts of the world, including the desecration of the Holy Quran, attacks on women for wearing the hijab, vandalism of mosques, religious profiling, and the open expression of anti-Muslim hatred in public discourse and media.

Ishaq Dar said Pakistan played a crucial role in the United Nations General Assembly's historic decision to designate 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

The Deputy Prime Minister urged the international community to stand united in condemning Islamophobia while also addressing the structural conditions that allow it to flourish.