OMM Redaksiyası
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for “effective international action” to curb the rising trend of Islamophobia, particularly in Pakistan’s immediate neighbourhood, according to a statement from his office.
Sharif made the remarks during a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, US time.
According to the statement, Sharif briefed Guterres on the “rising trend of Islamophobia, especially in our immediate neighbourhood”, saying the situation required coordinated international efforts to prevent its spread.
The United Nations has designated March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
Pakistan reiterates support for Palestinian statehood
Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood. He also stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional tensions.
Amid the ongoing US-Iran war, the Pakistani prime minister reiterated his country’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.
Sharif further expressed Pakistan’s “steadfast commitment” to multilateralism and to the central role of the United Nations in advancing international peace and development.
Guterres praises Pakistan’s mediation efforts
As Guterres prepares to leave office later this year after serving two terms as UN secretary-general, Sharif praised his “principled role” in upholding the UN Charter and advancing the organisation’s work for the benefit of humanity.
Guterres, in turn, commended Pakistan’s “leading role and strong voice” at the United Nations, as well as its contribution to international peace and security, the statement said.
The UN chief particularly welcomed Pakistan’s mediation efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict and durable peace and stability in the region.
Pakistan has played a major role in mediating between the United States and Iran since the war began at the end of February.
