ISLAMABAD: The Canadian government has decided to appoint a special representative to combat Islamophobia, an official announcement has said.

“Islamophobia and hate, in any form, have no place in Canada,” said a statement posted on the official website of the Canadian government.

The announcement coincided with the fifth anniversary of a terrorist attack on a mosque in Quebec City.

Six people were killed and 19 injured when a shooter opened fire in the city’s Islamic Cultural Centre in the Sainte-Foy neighbourhood on Jan 29, 2017.

A press release issued by the Canadian government said: “Last year, the government announced its intention to make January 29 a National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia. This year, on the eve of the five-year anniversary of this act of terror, the government of Canada stands with and supports Muslim communities across Canada and reaffirms its commitment to take action to denounce and tackle Islamophobia and hate-fuelled violence.”

Prime Minister Khan praises Canadian government’s decision

The statement pointed out that “Islamophobia is a concrete and daily reality for Muslim communities across Canada and around the world. As we honour the victims, we must remember that we have a responsibility to combat discrimination and continue to build a more inclusive Canada”.

“That is why the federal government held a virtual National Summit on Islamophobia in July 2021. The special representative’s appointment is one of the recommendations put forward during the summit and will be an additional step in the government’s ongoing work through the Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy to tackle Islamophobia in all its forms,” added the press release.

In his tweet on the subject, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “Islamo­pho­bia is unacceptable. Full stop. We need to put an end to this hate and make our communities safer for Muslim Canadians. To help with that, we intend to appoint a Special Representative on combatting Islamophobia.”

Imran praises move

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sun­day welcomed Mr Trudeau’s condemnation of Islamophobia and praised his decision to appoint a special representative to combat the menace.

Mr Khan also underlined the need for international efforts and cooperation to end the growing scourge. In a tweet, he said: “I welcome Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s unequivocal condemnation of Islamophobia & his plan to appoint a Special Representative to combat this contemporary scourge.

“His timely call to action resonates with what I have long argued. Let us join hands to put an end to this menace,” Mr Khan added.

The prime minister also tagged the Cana­dian government’s statement on the issue.

Prime Minister Khan has been consistently and vociferously calling for global efforts and cooperation to tackle and end Islamophobia, which has resulted in a number of hate crimes against Muslims across the globe.

Not so long ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin also condemned Islamophobia.—Agencies

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2022