The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution co-sponsoredby Pakistan and the Philippines on the “Promotion of interreligious andintercultural dialogue” by an overwhelming majority.

[image: UNGA adopts Pakistan-led resolution on “Promotion of interreligiousand intercultural dialogue”]This resolution is part of Pakistan’s globalefforts to promote interfaith harmony, tolerance, respect for each other’sreligions and values, and peaceful co-existence.

The resolution welcomes the Kartarpur initiative by Pakistan, referring toit as a “landmark initiative for interreligious and interculturalcooperation for peace”. Due to the efforts of Pakistan’s delegation, theresolution for the first time this year also acknowledges the significanceand respect for religious symbols.

It stresses that the exercise of the right to freedom of expression carrieswith it special duties and responsibilities, and must therefore besubjected to legitimate restrictions.

In the wake of growing religious intolerance and racism especiallyIslamophobia around the world, this resolution is important formainstreaming these contemporary challenges and taking the necessary stepsto curb such trends. The resolution focuses on interreligious and culturaldialogues amongst all stakeholders and advocates combatting intolerance,xenophobia, discrimination and acts of violence.

It supports the call of the High Representative for the United NationsAlliance of Civilizations for “mutual respect”. It emphasizes theimportance 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 internationalcommunity to counter Islamophobia and promote respect for religioussensitivities. The adoption of this resolution by the UN General Assemblyis part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts inter alia for raising awarenessabout Islamophobia and countering the defamation of sacred religiouspersonalities and symbols.