Pakistan has accused India of promoting Islamophobia at a high-level event held at the United Nations on March 16, 2026, to mark the International Day to combat Islamophobia.
Speaking during the closing session, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said India had “earned the distinction of being the world’s biggest Islamophobic state”.
He claimed that discrimination there was directed not only at Muslims but also at other minorities, including Christians.
Address at UN event
The event took place at UN headquarters in New York and was organised by the UN Alliance of Civilisations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation observer mission to the United Nations.
Several senior international officials attended the gathering.
Among those who spoke were UN Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, and OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha.
Ambassador Ahmad addressed the meeting in his capacity as chair of the OIC Core Group on Combating Islamophobia.
During his remarks, the Pakistani envoy said Islamophobia in India was not limited to isolated groups but was encouraged by the state.
He referred to the latest OIC report on Islamophobia, saying India accounted for a large share of reported incidents worldwide.
As examples, he cited restrictions on Friday prayers in Srinagar during Ramadan, incidents of mob violence against Muslims and the demolition of historic mosques.
He also said India had missed an opportunity to support international efforts aimed at condemning Islamophobia and had instead tried to politicise the discussion.
The envoy called on the Indian government to distance itself from what he described as Islamophobic rhetoric and to take steps to protect the rights of Muslims and other minorities.
Christchurch attack
The meeting also marked the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks of March 15, 2019, when 51 worshippers were killed in New Zealand.
Ambassador Ahmad said the day served as a reminder that people should not face discrimination, fear or persecution because of their faith.
Call for global action
The Pakistani diplomat said Islamophobia had historical roots and was often driven by prejudice, misinformation and political tensions.
He added that online disinformation and global conflicts had also contributed to the spread of anti-Muslim sentiment in recent years.
He pointed to incidents such as attacks on mosques, desecration of the Quran, hate speech and restrictions on religious practices as examples of the problem.
According to him, addressing Islamophobia should be seen as part of the broader effort to combat racism, intolerance and discrimination.
He urged countries to strengthen legal protections, raise public awareness and work with digital platforms to address hate speech online.
Ambassador Ahmad also welcomed the appointment of Miguel Ángel Moratinos as the UN Special Envoy on Combating Islamophobia and called for the completion of a UN action plan to guide international efforts on the issue.
Concluding his remarks, he said dialogue, understanding and international cooperation were essential in tackling religious hatred and ensuring that diversity remains a source of strength rather than division.
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