United Nations: Pakistan has called for addressing decades of unresolved conflict and foreign occupation – an apparent reference to Palestine and Kashmir – as part of efforts to combat violent extremism. In this regard, Pakistan’s delegate Muhammad Jawad Ajmal, speaking at an event to mark the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism, also called on the world community to reaffirm its commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, inter-religious dialogue and combating hate speech.
“Political and economic injustices have created polarization and fueled enmity,” he told delegates at an event organized by Iraq’s mission to the United Nations on Tuesday. Reiterating Pakistan’s condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, the Pakistani delegate noted that the global threat landscape had changed significantly in recent years.
“Today,” Ajmal said, “the world has failed to address the root causes of terrorism, including foreign occupation, denial of the inalienable right to self-determination, injustice, oppression and state terrorism. “We have also failed to address violent acts by white, far-right, violent nationalist, xenophobic , Islamophobic, anti-Muslim and Hindutva groups and ideologies in various parts of the world,” he added. “Therefore, to combat violent extremism, we must comprehensively address not only the symptoms but also the root causes.”
In this context, Pakistani delegate Ajmal highlighted five points: — The practice of insult of any religion and expressions of hatred and violence based on religion or belief must be universally prohibited; — The UN must make appropriate changes to its counter-terrorism architecture and sanctions regimes to cover new and emerging forms of terrorism, such as right-wing and Islamophobic extremism and terrorism; — Ensure , so that the fight against terrorism is not misused to violate human rights. — Take steps to stop the desecration of the Holy Quran, the demolition of mosques, the publication of blasphemous content, and the enabling of ethnic cleansing and mass murder of people of one particular faith. — The UN General Assembly shall establish a body to promote the general consideration and balanced implementation of all four pillars of the global strategy to combat terrorism.
