ISSI hosts Roundtable on the "Importance of Global Solidarity to Combat Islamophobia”

Islamabad - 15 March 2024 (Adnan Hameed): The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), through its Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP), convened a significant Roundtable Discussion today, titled "Importance of Global Solidarity to Combat Islamophobia." The event, held to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, brought together esteemed dignitaries, scholars, and officials to engage in a dialogue aimed at addressing the pressing issues of prejudices, intolerance, violence, and injustices faced by Muslims worldwide. The event was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Dr. Qibla Ayaz, Chairman of the Council of the Islamic Ideology (CII), alongside distinguished panellists including Ambassadors from Iran and Turkiye, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and noted academic scholars. In her introductory remarks, Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director of CSP, underscored the urgency of combating Islamophobia in the contemporary global landscape, marked by numerous conflicts and challenges. She emphasized the importance of fostering understanding and solidarity among nations and communities. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director-General of ISSI, highlighted the journey since the Christchurch terrorist attacks in 2019, emphasizing Pakistan's pivotal role in advocating for global action against Islamophobia. He stressed the need for building bridges and fostering mutual respect and inter-faith harmony in the face of growing religious and cultural divisions. A special video message from the Honourable Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), His Excellency Hissein Brahim Taha, reiterated the urgent need for international solidarity and action against prejudice and discrimination towards Muslims. Scholars and officials, including Dr. Muhammad Israr Madani and Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, provided insightful perspectives on the multifaceted nature of Islamophobia, emphasizing the importance of media literacy, diplomatic engagement, and legal recourse in addressing the issue. Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam of Iran enriched the discussion by contextualizing Islamophobia within the broader historical and geopolitical narratives. His critique of Islamophobia as a tool for political manipulation and his call for unity among Muslim nations underscored the importance of solidarity and collective identity in overcoming adversities. Ambassador Mehmet Paçaci of Turkiye pointed to the alarming rise of Islamophobia globally, especially in Western and certain non-Western countries including India. His discourse on the political misuse of Islamophobia and the urgent need for international accountability and cooperation offered a compelling call to action for both Muslim and non-Muslim countries to address this pressing issue. In his address, Chief Guest Dr. Qibla Ayaz underscored the importance of fostering deeper understanding between Western and Muslim societies, promoting inter-faith dialogues, and strategic use of media and academia to combat Islamophobia. He emphasized the need for collective action and mutual respect to bring about positive change. The event concluded with Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors of ISSI, presenting mementos to the participants, followed by a group photograph symbolizing the spirit of solidarity and collaboration in the fight against Islamophobia.