Islamabad for defeating 'virulent' Islamophobia

Highlighting Islamophobia as one of the "most virulent forms of hate speech", Pakistan called for defeating the flawed mindset which incites violence and discrimination against fellow humans.

"As a firm defender of human dignity, equality and freedom, Pakistan shall continue its engagement with the member states and UN to continue our fight against hate speech-for posterity, our cherished values and for our civilization," Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told a global conference on promoting interreligious and cultural dialogue held at UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday.

Hate speech, he said, is an assault against shared humanity- it disrupts social fabric, militates against human dignity, and dehumanizes the entire groups.

"Digital revolution has accentuated threats posed by this menace: online platforms amplify hatred, peddle disinformation, and provoke violence against fellow humans, particularly vulnerable communities."

In his remarks, Ahmad voiced concern that hate speech was continuing to run amok in the world.