The Pakistani team of diplomats at the United Nations has achieved another milestone as part of Islamabad’s efforts to promote tolerance for religious sites of every faith.
According to a press release issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, “The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution co-sponsored by Pakistan along with a number of OIC and other countries on “Promoting a Culture of Peace and Tolerance to Safeguard Religious Sites”. Consistent with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, this resolution is part of Pakistan’s continuing diplomatic efforts for the protection of religious sites, promotion of interfaith harmony, and combatting intolerance on the basis of religion or belief.
I am happy that the @UN General Assembly today adopted by consensus a resolution – sponsored by 🇵🇰 🇸🇦 🇪🇬 🇸🇩🇵🇭 🇦🇪 🇲🇾 🇰🇼 🇻🇪 & other OIC countries – on the protection of religious sites. Pakistan will continue to play a leading role in denouncing violent attacks on religious sites.
— Pakistan Permanent Representative to UN (@PakistanPR_UN) January 22, 2021
“In the background of recent incidents of vilification of religious personalities and symbols, and rising religious extremism and intolerance around the world, this resolution aims to mainstream steps for curbing such negative trends. It deplores all acts of violence, discrimination, intolerance, religious hatred, negative stereotyping, and stigmatization on the basis of religion or belief. It condemns attacks on religious places, sites and shrines, as well as the destruction and forceful conversion of religious sites.
“Due to the collective efforts of the lead countries comprising Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Oman, Bahrain and Egypt, this resolution was adopted by United Nations General Assembly by consensus.”