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At UN, Pakistan demands global action to defeat ‘virulent’ Islamophobia

UNITED NATIONS: Highlighting Islamophobia as one of the “most virulent forms of hate speech”, Pakistan called for defeating the flawed mindset which incites violence and discrimination against fellow humans.

“As a firm defender of human dignity, equality and freedom, Pakistan shall continue its engagement with the member states and UN to continue our fight against hate speech-for posterity, our cherished values and for our civilization,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told a global conference on promoting interreligious and cultural dialogue held at UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday.

Hate speech, he said, is an assault against shared humanity- it disrupts social fabric, militates against human dignity, and dehumanizes the entire groups.

“Digital revolution has accentuated threats posed by this menace: online platforms amplify hatred, peddle disinformation, and provoke violence against fellow humans, particularly vulnerable communities.”

Organized by Morocco, the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (UNOSAPG) and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), the conference brought together member states, United Nations entities, international organizations, political figures, religious leaders, faith-based organizations, media, civil society representatives and other relevant stakeholders.

Opening the conference, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for concerted action by governments, technology companies and civil society to stamp out hate speech, emphasizing that “its toxic message is spreading fast and striking deep”.

“In its worst forms, hate speech incites violence, drives conflict, and contributes to the perpetration of atrocity crimes – including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and ethnic cleansing,” the UN chief said.

In his remarks, Ambassador Asim Ahmad voiced concern that hate speech was continuing to run amok in the world, having proliferated into mainstream discourse, with identity weaponized, vulnerable communities marginalized, and hate crimes mainstreamed.

Islamophobia was evident in attacks on Muslims’ lives, identity and symbols; desecration of mosques; and curbs on religious freedoms, the Pakistani envoy said. At some places, he said, Islamophobia has forged a symbiotic relation with local power structures and vested interests, turning it into a profitable industry.

Pakistan, he said, called for fully implementing relevant UN General Assembly resolutions, UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, and for fostering a genuine spirit of interreligious and intercultural dialogue. “It is the only panacea to defeat the flawed mindset which incites violence and discrimination against fellow humans.”

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.