Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf met with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) High Representative and Special Envoy for Combating Islamophobia, Miguel Moratinos, and held detailed discussions on the growing trends of Islamophobia and religious intolerance.
Federal Minister Sardar Yousaf, UN envoy discuss rising Islamophobia, religious harmony
ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (APP): Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf met with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) High Representative and Special Envoy for Combating Islamophobia, Miguel Moratinos, and held detailed discussions on the growing trends of Islamophobia and religious intolerance.
Both sides agreed to work together to promote dialogue among different civilizations and religions, strengthen mutual cooperation, foster harmony, and enhance social cohesion.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said Pakistan was committed to working with UNAOC. He stated that non-Muslim communities in Pakistan have reserved quotas in educational institutions, employment, and legislative assemblies.
The minister said that under the Interfaith Harmony Wing, the government was carrying out the repair and restoration of places of worship belonging to non-Muslim communities and providing educational scholarships.
He added that August 11 was being observed every year as Minority Day to promote interfaith harmony and highlight the rights of minorities.
He further said that an interfaith harmony policy has been approved in consultation with leading representatives of all religions residing in Pakistan, while religious festivals of non-Muslim communities and interfaith harmony conferences were being organized under official patronage.
Expressing concern over the condition of non-Hindu minorities in India, Sardar Yousaf said that restrictions on religious freedom there were a matter of concern.
He emphasized that Islam, the Constitution of Pakistan, and the teachings of the country’s founder guarantee the protection of minority rights.
Miguel Moratinos said efforts were being made to prevent hatred and conflict based on religion and civilization.
He described the attack on a mosque in New Zealand as one of the worst examples of Islamophobia.
He added that, under the directions of the UN Secretary-General, work on the protection of places of worship began in September 2019.
He also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting interfaith harmony, stating that the Pakistani government was doing commendable work in this regard.
