UNITED NATIONS, Sept 22: Pakistan has called for an international, legally-binding instrument on elimination of religious intolerance as part of efforts to halt the trend of Islamophobia.

Addressing a ministerial-level meeting of 15 UN member states ‘Interfaith Dialogue for Cooperation and Peace’ on Thursday, Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar underscored the need for steps to create religious harmony.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 61st session of UN General Assembly session. Besides Pakistan, it was attended by ministers from Bangladesh, Egypt, Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Libya, Malaysia, Senegal, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Thailand, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Mr Bakhtyar highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate hatred and prejudices against religions, and stressed the need for holding seminars and meetings on interfaith cooperation.

The state minister also voiced concern over new and subtle forms of discrimination including prejudices and stereotyping of people on the basis of religious affiliation.

The meeting adopted a declaration, stressing the positive role the media can play in promoting tolerance and respect for religions.

The ministers also called for exploring the possibility of further measures at international, regional and national levels to eliminate all forms of religious intolerance.

Representatives of Australia, the Holy See and Turkey also attended the meeting as observers.—APP