ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed disappointed the resolution adopted the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on religious hatred was not passed by consensus.
The UNHRC approved the resolution in the wake of the burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden. However, only 28 countries voted in favour, 12 voted against, and seven countries abstained. The United States and the European Union strongly opposed the resolution.
The resolution, introduced by Pakistan on behalf of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), calls for the UN rights chief to publish a report on religious hatred and for states to review their laws and plug gaps that may “impede the prevention and prosecution of acts and advocacy of religious hatred.”
Addressing the weekly news briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said the UNHRC adopted a historic resolution presented by Pakistan on the behalf of the OIC condemning any advocacy of religious hatred including the recent acts of desecration of Holy Quran and underscored the need for holding the perpetrators to account.
The spokesperson said Pakistan shared the disappointment of the OIC countries that despite its balanced and apolitical nature, this important resolution was put to vote on fallacious grounds, derailing the council’s consensus.
The spokesperson added said Pakistan believes that the UNHRC must speak with one voice on the issue of Islamophobia which affects human rights, fundamental freedoms, dignity and identity of over two billion Muslims.
She said Pakistan will continue to take lead in raising global awareness about Islamophobia and xenophobia and foster interfaith dialogue, harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Afghanistan and Kashmir
Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to engage with Afghanistan on all aspects of cooperation and concern including issues relating to terror threats. The spokesperson urged the Afghan authorities to fulfill promises that their soil will not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.
On the situation in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the spokesperson said since 5th August 2019, over 780 Kashmiri people have been martyred by the Indian occupation forces.
She said India’s unabated repression over the last seven decades has failed to break the will of Kashmiri people for the right to self-determination. She said Pakistan will continue to support its Kashmiris in their just struggle against Indian oppression.
Responding to a question, the spokesperson said Indus Water Treaty is an important document that has served both Pakistan and India. She said Pakistan is committed to its full implementation and hopes India will remain committed.
