The existence of various civilizations is a historic fact and since the beginning of humankind, various civilizations were dominating while others were suppressed. The root cause of conflicts was usually misunderstanding and suspecting other civilizations.
In past, the flow of information was not so convenient and people from one part of the world knows little about the inhabitants of another part of the world. It was possible that misunderstandings arose to lead to wars, confrontations, and disputes.
However, it is the era of information and the IT industry has made the flow of information so quick and so smooth that almost instantly the information is accessible to every corner of the world.
Media is so vagrant and effective that any incident that happened in any part of the world is simultaneously known all over the globe. Electronic media, digital media, and social media are more effective than traditional print media.
It is a matter of great concern that the media is used as a tool for misinformation and building distorted narratives in the modern-day world by some nations. Fake news, fabricated stories, and distorted narratives are spread deliberately to malign political rivals.
The United Nations is well aware of such malpractices. The United Nations has recently organized the 9th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), in the Kingdom of Morocco in the city of Fez from 22-23 November 2022.
Along with many other nations, Pakistan actively participated in the Forum, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, addressed the noble Forum.
In her statement, the Minister of State articulated Pakistan’s perspective and concerns about the growing problem of religious intolerance, discrimination, Islamophobia, and violence worldwide. She highlighted the importance of continued and robust inter-religious, inter-civilizational, and inter-faith dialogue as a catalyst to promote peaceful co-existence, mutual understanding, and harmony.
The Minister of State particularly drew attention to the state-driven discrimination, hostility, and phobia directed against Muslims and Islam, and the ensuing climate of impunity for such heinous acts. She urged that given its pervasive and widely documented impacts, it was time for the international community and the United Nations to formulate an action plan to meaningfully address the insidious phenomenon of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred.
The UN Alliance of Civilizations was created in 2005 in response to tensions between the Muslim world and the West in the aftermath of 9/11. One of its core objectives is to advance mutual respect for all cultures, traditions, and religious beliefs. The 9th Forum is being held under the overarching theme of “Towards an Alliance of Peace: Living Together as One Humanity”. As a member of the UNAOC Group of Friends, Pakistan has been actively contributing to advancing the Alliance’s mandate.
Pakistan enjoys diversity and a nation of many ethnic, religious, and languages-base groups. Diversity has become our strength. Constitution of Pakistan, protects everyone on equal basis and strong judiciary is there to deliver justice in case of any violation or exceptional case. We respect other civilizations and expects others to respect our culture, religion and treat us on equal basis.
Pakistan strongly supports the need for understanding among various civilizations, cultures, and religions, and always condemned any discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, geographical location, or social status. It has been advocated that based on mutual undersetting, complete harmony is desired among all nations, religions, and ethnic groups, and equality among whole humankind.
Respecting others, respecting values, and co-existence is the basic principle for promoting global peace, security, and prosperity. Deliberately spreading misinformation and distorting narratives is strongly opposed. Pakistan has been playing a positive role in the past and is committed to future roles too.