We are happy that the UN General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution – sponsored by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other OIC countries – on the protection of religious sites, says a press release received here today from New York.
The adoption of this resolution is a part of the efforts initiated by Prime Minister Imran Khan to combat Islamophobia and outlaw attacks on Muslims religious shrines, symbols and sacred personalities in certain countries.
The resolution condemns all acts or threats of violence, destruction, damage directed against religious sites that have continued to occur across the world, especially in India. The resolution denounces any moves to obliterate or forcibly convert any religious sites.
It also expresses concerns on the rise of racial and religious intolerance and negative stereotyping of religions, and condemns any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that promotes discrimination, hostility or violence.
The adoption of the resolution is also a rebuke to the Hindutva extremists in India who have launched a systematic and government backed programme to eliminate the heritage and legacy of Islam in India through the destruction of Islamic shrines and monuments and to the transformation of India’s Muslims into second class citizens, or non-citizens.
The adoption of this resolution has generated hope that by denouncing violent attacks on religious sites, the international community will join hands in promoting a culture of peace, based on mutual respect, understanding and tolerance. Pakistan will continue to play a leading role in this endeavour.
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