Pakistan underlines need for robust media-organ to counter Islamophobia

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation held its 11th Islamic Conference of the OIC Information Ministers at Conference Palace in Jeddah 21 December 2016. The conference attempted to draw up common media strategy and draw contours for tackling social issues affecting the Islamic world through modern media. The conference emphasized the role of the media in “countering terrorism & Islamophobia”.

The conference deliberated on a number of issues affecting the Muslim world and signified the importance to evolve comprehensive media strategy to protect the general interest of the Muslim world both from within and outside, particularly, in the western world. Issues like Islamophobia, empowerment of Women in the Media, support of media programs in Africa, creating media rapport between OIC Member states and international media organizations were some topics on its agenda.

Speaking on the occasion, the head of Pakistan delegation, Hon. Saba MohsinRaza, Secretary, Ministry of Information, Broadcasting & National Heritage specially mentioned the close cordial ties enjoyed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and expressed gratitude for the Saudi leadership’s continuous support of Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir. She drew the attention of the member countries towards the gross human rights violations perpetrated by Indian security forces against the innocent Muslims of Occupied Jammu & Kashmir who are struggling for their just cause to exercise the right to Self Determination.

Pakistan, she said, commends efforts “to chalk out media strategy to combat Islamophobia and forces of xenophobia”. She emphasized the need to promote interfaith cooperation to reverse this ugly trend and proposed building bridges with other religious communities through stepped up interaction. Pakistan, she said, believes in composite dialogue and engagement with other faiths and civilizations so that misconceptions about Islam and Muslims are removed for the sake of a global harmonious co-existence.