Senator Faisal Javed Khan, on Thursday, hailed the adoption of a Pakistan-backed resolution on inter-religious dialogue by the United Nations (UN). In a tweet, Khan celebrated the success and called it a historic moment for Pakistan and the entire Muslim Ummah.
The resolution, co-sponsored by Pakistan and the Philippines, was adopted by the UN General Assembly with an overwhelming majority.
Adoption of Pakistan-backed resolution by UN
“This resolution is part of Pakistan’s global efforts to promote interfaith harmony, tolerance, respect for each other’s religions and values, and peaceful co-existence,” said the foreign ministry in a statement.
Due to the efforts of the 🇵🇰 delegation, the resolution for the first time acknowledges the significance and respect for religious symbols. 🇵🇰 thanks all the 🇺🇳 member States which supported the resolution & global interfaith harmony agenda. 2/2
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) December 4, 2020
In the wake of growing religious intolerance and racism, especially Islamophobia around the world, the resolution focuses on inter-religious and cultural dialogues among all stakeholders and advocates combatting intolerance, Xenophobia, discrimination, and acts of violence.
Read more: France targets mosques in crackdown on radical Islam
It also supported the call of the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations for “mutual respect” and emphasized the importance of realization of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, especially the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies.
“Prime Minister Imran Khan has repeatedly called upon the international community to counter Islamophobia and promote respect for religious sensitivities. The adoption of this resolution by the UN General Assembly is part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts inter alia for raising awareness about Islamophobia and countering the defamation of sacred religious personalities and symbols,” the statement further said.
The resolution also welcomes the Kartarpur initiative by Pakistan, referring to it as a “landmark initiative for interreligious and intercultural cooperation for peace”.
Historic momment for Pakistan & The Muslim World as @UN adopts Pak-sponsored resolution calling for respecting sacred religious symbols as part of PM ImranKhan’s diplomatic campaign to raise awareness about rising Islamophobia & anti-Muslim hatred 90 v/s 0 votes #ProudOfImranKhan
— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) December 3, 2020
Khan inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor in November last year on the occasion of the 550th Birth Anniversary of the founder of the Sikh religion, Baba Guru Nanak Devji. Baba Guru Nanak had spent the last 18 years of his life in Kartarpur.
Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara situated in Narowal district– some 115 kilometers (71 miles) from the provincial capital Lahore — is one of the most revered places for the Sikh community as Baba Guru Nanak spent the last 18 years of his life there.
Read more: UNGA adopts Pakistan-led interfaith dialogue resolution
Historic moment for Pakistan
Senator hailed the adoption of the resolution as the historic moment for Pakistan and the Muslim world. It also marks the success of active, coherent, and exhaustive coherent diplomacy led by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The resolution stresses the respect of religious symbols and figures. The clause certainly came in the wake of the recent wave of extreme Islamophobic activities in France. The recent outrageous incidents in France targeted Islam and its revered holy figures, hurting the sentiments of and triggering strong reactions from Muslims across the world.
Also, the adoption of the resolution by the UN endorses the strong call of PM Imran Khan to the international community for peaceful co-existence. The achievement also strengthens Pakistan’s soft image globally. For the past few years, Pakistan is in the process of rebuilding its image of a tolerant, peaceful, and progressive nation-its active participation at the international human rights platforms is certainly a step in the right direction.
GVS News Desk