Iranian Ambassador Addresses Global Leaders and Intellectuals at ISSI Institute, Urges Joint Efforts to Combat Islamophobia

Islamabad - 15 March 2024 (Adnan Hameed): The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, delivered a compelling and thought-provoking speech today at the esteemed Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). The gathering, attended by prominent global leaders, intellectuals, and scholars, served as a platform for Ambassador Moghadam to address the pressing issue of Islamophobia and advocate for collective action to address this challenge. In his remarks, Ambassador Moghadam expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the esteemed audience at ISSI, extending gratitude to Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors of ISSI, for their hospitality and commitment to fostering dialogue on critical international issues. Islamophobia, Ambassador Moghadam noted, is not a new phenomenon but has persisted since the inception of Islam. He highlighted the historical and contemporary manifestations of Islamophobia, emphasizing the insidious nature of this phenomenon and its impact on Muslim communities worldwide. Ambassador Moghadam condemned the use of defamation, slander, and character assassination to propagate Islamophobia, citing examples such as the genocide of the people of Gaza by the Israeli regime. Drawing attention to the geopolitical motivations behind Islamophobia, Ambassador Moghadam underscored the role of Western domination and utilitarianism in perpetuating negative stereotypes about Islam. He lamented the post-Cold War era's exploitation of security threats in the Middle East and West Asia to maintain Western influence, citing the deliberate association of terrorism with Islam as a means to achieve these objectives. In outlining potential solutions to combat Islamophobia, Ambassador Moghadam proposed a multifaceted approach encompassing tolerance, interfaith dialogue, media promotion, and strengthening cooperation within the Muslim world and with external partners. He commended initiatives such as Pakistan's designation of July 6th as the Day of Honoring the Holy Quran and emphasized the importance of providing accurate knowledge of Islam to counter misinformation and misconceptions. Ambassador Moghadam concluded his address by reaffirming the shared responsibility of the international community in addressing Islamophobia, stressing the need for solidarity, understanding, and mutual respect among nations. He called upon global leaders and intellectuals to join hands in confronting this common challenge and building a more inclusive and harmonious world.