UNGA 74: Pakistan, Turkey call for effective measures to counter hate speech, Islamphobia

NEW YORK – Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for effective measures to counter hate speech and Islamphobia at the United Nations.

He was speaking at a high level roundtable discussion on "Countering Hate Speech" jointly organized by Pakistan and Turkey at UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday.

Noting the growing incidence of discrimination and violence based on religion and belief, PM Imran underscored the importance of addressing both the drivers and consequences of these phenomena.

He cautioned against attempts to denigrate revered personalities and scriptures cloaked in the right to freedom of expression and opinion.

Imran Khan said marginalisation of any community leads to radicalisation. He added that religion has nothing to do with terrorism.

High level Roundtable discussion hosted by Pakistan & Turkey on Countering Hate Speech at #UNGA. Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI & President @RTErdogan present at the discussion. pic.twitter.com/SxQO0DDuZK

— PTI (@PTIofficial) September 25, 2019

Speaking on the occasion, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said hate speech has emerged as the worst crimes against humanity. He said Muslims are the most vulnerable community to hate speech across the world. He said Muslims are being lynched for eating beef in India.

Commenting on worst human rights situation in Occupied Kashmir, President Erdogan said Kashmir has been turned into an open prison and we fear blood shed there.

He also expressed condolence over the tragic loss of life in earth quake in Mirpur and other parts of Pakistan.