‘Islamophobia growing under Hindutva ideology’

Islamophobia was not just prevalent in some Western countries but in non-Western parts of the world as well, including in Pakistan’s neighbourhood where it was growing in the wake of the ‘Hindutva’ ideology, said Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad Director General Sohail Mahmood on Friday.

In his welcoming remarks at a Roundtable Discussion titled, "Importance of Global Solidarity to Combat Islamophobia", he talked about the evolution and myriad manifestations of Islamophobia in recent decades.

The discussion was held to commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a talk, bringing to the fore a global dialogue aimed at addressing the prejudices, intolerance, violence and injustices faced by Muslims worldwide.

Council of the Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Dr Qibla Ayaz was the chief guest while ambassadors of Iran and Turkiye and noted academic and senior foreign office official joined as panellists.

Sohail Mahmood talked about the journey since the March 2019 Christchurch terrorist attacks in New Zealand, highlighting the pivotal moments and global actions, including Pakistan’s leading role in the OIC and the UN General Assembly, culminating in the designation of March 15 as the ‘International Day to Combat Islamophobia.’

Noting that the world was experiencing extreme levels of tumult, he stressed that this was the time to build bridges, not to accentuate religious or cultural fault-lines or create further divisions. People of goodwill in all faiths should come forward and play their part in forging greater mutual respect, understanding, and inter-faith harmony, he added.

In her introductory remarks, Dr Neelum Nigar, Director CSP emphasised the importance of combating Islamophobia in contemporary times, which is marred by multiple global conflicts and issues.

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A special video message by the Honourable Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) His Excellency Hissein Brahim Taha for the occasion was shared. The Secretary General emphasised the urgent need to combat and address the widespread prejudice and discrimination against Muslims globally and the importance of fostering a culture of tolerance, respect, and mutual understanding across different faiths and communities.

Dr Muhammad Israr Madani from the Islamic Research Council of Religious Affairs, provided a scholarly exposition on the multifaceted nature of Islamophobia, tracing its historical roots and present-day manifestations. His analytical insights into the contributing factors of Islamophobia, from media misrepresentation to the socio-political dynamics in Western countries, offered a comprehensive overview of the complexities involved.

Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Additional Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), delved into the political and legal dimensions of Islamophobia, advocating for a balanced approach between freedom of expression and respect for religious sentiments. His call for utilising international human rights frameworks as a common ground for dialogue and action resonated with the audience, highlighting the significance of diplomacy and legal recourse in combating Islamophobia.

H.E. Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, enriched the discussion by contextualising Islamophobia within the broader historical and geopolitical narratives. His critique of Islamophobia as a tool for political manipulation and his call for unity among Muslim nations underscored the importance of solidarity and collective identity in overcoming adversities.

H.E. Dr Mehmet Paçaci, Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan, pointed to the alarming rise of Islamophobia globally, especially in Western and certain non-Western countries including India. His discourse on the political misuse of Islamophobia and the urgent need for international accountability and cooperation offered a compelling call to action for both Muslim and non-Muslim countries to address this pressing issue.

Dr Qibla Ayaz delivered an illuminating address, providing deep historical insight into Islamophobia, and identifying its roots and evolution over the centuries. He recommended fostering a deeper understanding of Western cultures, promoting inter-faith dialogues, and the strategic use of media and academia to combat Islamophobia highlighting a path toward mutual respect and understanding.

He stressed the importance of ‘working in the West’ on the one hand and developing a better understanding of the West within Muslim societies on the other hand. Dr Ayaz also underlined the need for “retrospection” – noting that extremist actions of individual Muslims or disrespect for the rights of minorities in Muslim countries would neither result in a better image nor help forge mutual understanding. In essence, he said he saw a ‘ray of hope’ and that, despite prevalent negativity and formidable challenges, collective action could help bring about positive change.