ISLAMABAD: At a United Nations gathering, Pakistan voiced deep concern about the increasing incidence of Islamophobia, religious intolerance, racism, and xenophobia, urging the international community to take sustained action to counter hatred and foster peaceful coexistence, the Pakistani mission reported on Saturday.
Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Pakistan’s acting permanent representative to the UN, made the statement during the presentation of the Human Rights Council report to the General Assembly, which called on all states to uphold respect for human rights.
Pakistan has consistently raised its concerns at the United Nations regarding what it describes as a worldwide surge in Islamophobia and religious intolerance, pressing for stronger international measures to combat discrimination against Muslims.
Islamabad has been a leading proponent of the UN‑designated International Day to Combat Islamophobia, observed each year on March 15, and has consistently advocated for promoting interfaith harmony, safeguarding freedom of religion, and addressing hate speech targeting religious communities.
Pakistan’s UN mission quoted Ambassador Jadoon as saying that “Pakistan also expressed deep concern over the growing prevalence of Islamophobia, religious intolerance, racism and xenophobia, urging sustained international efforts to counter hatred and promote mutual respect, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.”
The Pakistani diplomat stressed that the Council’s work must be guided by universality, impartiality, objectivity, and non‑selectivity, serving as a platform for constructive dialogue and cooperation.
He cautioned that selectivity and double standards undermine the forum’s credibility and weaken the international human rights system.
Jadoon stated that “civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights are universal, indivisible, and interdependent,” and noted that “developing countries continue to confront persistent poverty, inequality, debt burdens, and climate‑related challenges.”
He called for stronger engagement with the interlinkages between human rights, development, and sustainability.