NEW YORK: Pakistan strongly criticised India during a high-level event at the United Nations General Assembly, accusing it of failing to address rising anti-Muslim hatred and urging accountability for acts of violence against minorities.
The remarks were made by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, during a meeting held to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The event was organised by the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations in collaboration with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation mission in New York.
Addressing the gathering, Ahmad alleged that India had become a major centre of Islamophobia and accused it of targeting its own religious minorities, including Muslims and Christians. He called on New Delhi to condemn such actions and take concrete steps against those responsible for incidents such as mob violence and the destruction of religious sites.
The session was attended by several prominent international figures, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UNGA President Annalena Baerbock, and OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha.
Earlier, India’s representative, Parvathaneni Harish, condemned violence carried out in the name of religion but did not specifically mention Islamophobia. He also accused Pakistan of mistreating minorities and politicising the issue through international platforms.
In response, Ahmad said India had attempted to deflect criticism and failed to engage meaningfully on the issue. He further alleged that Islamophobia in India was not limited to fringe elements but reflected broader state policies, citing reports and recent developments, including restrictions on religious practices in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Highlighting findings from OIC reports, Ahmad claimed that India accounted for a significant share of global Islamophobic incidents. He also pointed to examples such as mob lynchings and the demolition of mosques as evidence of rising intolerance.
Calling for action, Ahmad urged India to distance itself from such incidents and ensure justice for victims. He stressed that meaningful progress should be measured through tangible steps rather than statements at international forums.
Speaking in his capacity as chair of the OIC Core Group on combating Islamophobia, Ahmad underscored the need to protect individuals from discrimination based on religion and called for stronger legal frameworks, public awareness, and regulation of online hate speech.
He also referenced the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks, noting the global impact of religiously motivated violence and the importance of collective action to counter intolerance.
In his address, Guterres urged countries to work together to combat anti-Muslim hatred and reject narratives of exclusion. He warned that many Muslims worldwide continue to face discrimination, marginalisation, and profiling, and called on governments to uphold equality and human rights.
The UN chief emphasised that as Muslims around the world approach the end of Ramazan, states must adopt policies that promote inclusion rather than deepen divisions.