India Challenges Pakistan's Narratives on Islamophobia at UN Assembly

India's UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish criticizes Pakistan's portrayal of Islamophobia, highlighting repression in Pakistan and air-bombings in Afghanistan. He addresses Islamophobia's politicization, stressing India's multicultural coexistence and advocating for efforts against religious discrimination. Harish emphasizes the UN's role in upholding universal peace and human rights across all faiths.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, strongly criticized Pakistan for its continuous portrayal of Islamophobia issues in neighboring countries. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Harish cited examples of Pakistan's own oppressive actions against the Ahmadiyyas and violent campaigns in Afghanistan during Ramadan as contradictive behaviors.

He also condemned the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's attempts, led by Pakistan, to weaponize religious identity against India. Harish stressed the importance of recognizing and addressing the broader spectrum of religiophobia, rather than focusing narrowly on Islamophobia, particularly at the United Nations.

Emphasizing India's secular ethos, Harish called for unity and the adherence to India's philosophy of 'Sarva Dharma Sambhava' or equal respect for all religions. He urged the UN to focus on fostering equality and dignity for all faiths, reinforcing its founding spirit of impartiality and universality in its mission towards global peace and human rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)