Qasim Aziz

Diplomat. Foreign Service of Pakistan. Bibliophile. A bit of this and a bit of that. Professional gypsy.

[Sky Sports Cricket @SkyCricket]

West Indies cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers has passed away at the age of 89.

[Pakistan High Commission London @PakistaninUK]

Social activist Aroob Haroon, who raised over £100,000 for the relief of Palestinian children in Gaza, meets Pakistan’s Acting High Commissioner to the UK

Aroob Haroon, a British-Pakistani social activist from Sheffield, met with Pakistan’s Acting High Commissioner to the UK, Mr. Haseeb Bin Aziz at the Pakistan High Commission in London @PakistaninUK.

Acting High Commissioner Haseeb Bin Aziz warmly welcomed Aroob Haroon and her family.

Appreciating Aroob’s exceptional efforts in welfare and social service, he said that Aroob has become an example of courage, determination and service at a young age, which is an inspiration not only to the British Pakistani community but also to children and youth around the world. He added that Aroob Haroon’s cheerful nature and charming smile made the meeting very pleasant and memorable.

The Acting High Commissioner expressed his best wishes for Aroob Haroon’s bright future, health and prosperity and further success in her noble mission. He also praised the perseverance, courage and continuous support of her family.

Despite her young age, Aroob has set a wonderful example of philanthropy, public service and social responsibility by raising more than £100,000 for children's hospitals in the UK and for Palestinian children in Gaza.

Aroob's efforts have reached from Sheffield to the Scottish Parliament and the British Parliament, where she has effectively highlighted the message of rights, equal opportunities and social inclusion for children with special needs.

In recognition of her extraordinary services, Aroob has been awarded the "Sheffield Youth Awards" and the "Helping Others Award".

Aroob Haroon has been receiving specialist medical care from Sheffield Children's Hospital since the early months of her life due to a rare genetic disease. She has transformed her personal difficulties into courage, determination and a spirit of public service, using the memory of her late younger brother Ayan, who was suffering from the same disease, as a means of serving humanity.

@ForeignOfficePk
@PkPublicDiplo
@epwing_official
@MoIB_Official
@PID_Gov
@PTVNewsOfficial
@appcsocialmedia
@RadioPakistan

[Khalil Hashmi @KhalilHashmi]

It was my profound honor to receive “Outstanding Diplomat Medal” on behalf of Pakistan from Chinese Foreign Minister H.E. Wang Yi during an elegant ceremony today at @MFA_China - a first time such award was conferred.

Being awarded this honor at our most consequential diplomatic outpost, from where we guard and nourish our most ‘iron brotherhood’ is truly a rewarding feeling. However, much more can be done as for our relationship, sky is the limit. This year when we celebrate #PakChinaAt75, the motivation is even stronger!

I am grateful to the deep support extended by my colleagues at the Embassy, @PresofPakistan @PakPMO , DPM/FM @MIshaqDar50, FS @amnabaloch4, colleagues at @ForeignOfficePk, @PakinChina_ and our consulates and countless institutions in Pakistan.

[Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN @PakistanUN_NY]

Remarks by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
Chair of OIC Core Group on Combatting Islamophobia/Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN
During the Closing Session of the High-Level Event in Commemoration of International Day to Combat Islamophobia
(16 March 2026)
*****

Co-Chairs,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

I begin by expressing our gratitude to the President of the General Assembly, UN Alliance of Civilizations and the OIC Observer Mission to United Nations for convening this high-level meeting to commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. We are thankful to Secretary General Guterres, PGA Ms. Annalena Baerbock, USG Moratinos, OIC Secretary General Hissein Ibrahim Taha, OIC Chair Ambassador Ahmet Yildiz and all distinguished speakers and Member States for their remarks and interventions.

2. It was noted by many speakers that commemoration this year coincided with the holy month of Ramadan and Lent. The SG and many speakers also referred to the conflict, instability and injustice around the world that provided a global backdrop to this discussion.

3. We gathered today not only to commemorate a solemn day, but to reaffirm that no human being should ever be feared, discriminated against, marginalized or persecuted because of their faith. Not just symbolic, today’s discussion offered us an opportunity to reflect on the threat Islamophobia poses to Muslims, and to social harmony as a whole, to express our solidarity with its victims, and to renew our collective resolve to continue endeavours for eliminating this scourge.

4. Four years ago, the General Assembly unanimously adopted landmark resolution 76/254 to observe 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. This day reminds us of the Christchurch mass killings of 15 March 2019 when fifty-one innocent worshippers fell victim to an act of religious hatred. It is a day of somber reflection and remembrance, but also of hope, and a solemn pledge that we will stay committed to rooting out this menace. Message from our leadership – from so many countries around the world – testifies to that commitment.

5. Islamophobia has deep and troubling historical roots. It often stems from ignorance, prejudice, and distorted narratives about Islam and Muslim societies. Intersection of geopolitical tensions, long-running conflicts and situations of foreign occupation, economic inequalities and rapid spread of disinformation, misinformation and hate speech through digital platforms have also allowed Islamophobia to proliferate. In recent years, it has mutated into pernicious forms and manifestations threatening life, dignity, freedom and heritage of Muslims. Desecration of the Holy Quran; demolition of mosques; demonization of Muslims in the history books; bans on the hijab; hate speech, assaults on lives and livelihoods of Muslims, and their ghettoization are some of its vile and visible manifestations.

Co-Chairs,

6. The discussions this morning have also underscored that the fight against Islamophobia is not merely a defense of Muslims; it is part of humanity’s broader and enduring struggle against racism, bigotry, xenophobia, intolerance, hatred and discrimination in all their forms and manifestations. It reminds us of a fundamental truth - that all human beings, regardless of faith or background, are entitled to equal dignity, respect and freedom. In this spirit, Member States must take meaningful steps to confront challenge i.e. to identify, prevent and address this challenge: by strengthening domestic legal frameworks to address acts of hatred and discrimination; ensuring that no individual is relegated to second-class status because of their religious identity; by dismantling social and institutional structures that perpetuate exclusion; by raising awareness regarding the growing menace of Islamophobia; combating Islamophobia in digital spaces through regulation and oversight; and safeguarding freedom of religion and belief as a universal and inviolable right.

7. Speakers noted and appreciated the crucial role of the United Nations, which is at the forefront to combat all forms of discrimination and religious intolerance including Islamophobia. General Assembly’s two resolutions in 2022 and 2024 on Islamophobia not only express international community’s political will and commitment to combat this scourge but have also strengthened the international legal and normative architecture.

8. There was strong appreciation for the appointment of H.E. Miguel Angel Moratinos as the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. We support the mandate of the Special Envoy and look forward to working with him. In this regard, the early finalization of the UN Plan of Action to Combat Islamophobia is of paramount importance; as it would offer Member States and UN a structured pathway to take practical action to identify Islamophobic trends, raise awareness about Islamophobia, and comprehensively combat its manifestations in a balanced and principled manner. It will be important for the Plan of Action to also devise ways and means of vigilant reporting of Islamophobic events and discourse and keep track of its evolving forms and manifestations.

Madam President,

9. History teaches us that intolerance rarely begins with violence; it begins with words - words that normalize prejudice, dehumanize communities, and gradually erode the foundations of peaceful coexistence. The tragedies of the twentieth century remind us that hatred, when ignored or tolerated, can grow into forces that threaten peace, dignity and humanity itself. Islamophobia today is, therefore, not merely a challenge for Muslim communities; it is a warning sign for all societies. When any community is targeted because of its faith or identity, the principles that bind humanity together are weakened.

10. As SG Guterres said, silence in face of this challenge only allows it to spread, the answer to Islamophobia, therefore, cannot be silence, and it cannot be indifference. And it is just not enough to condemn Islamophobia; we must take concrete actions to address it. That entails collective resolve - expressed through education, dialogue, responsible leadership and principled action. If we fail to confront hatred today, we risk allowing prejudice to shape the world of tomorrow. And if we act with unity, courage and conviction, we can ensure that faith is never a reason for fear and that diversity remains a source of strength rather than division. Let this day, therefore, renew our shared commitment to uphold dignity, protect freedom of religion and belief, and build inclusive societies where every person, regardless of faith, can live without fear and with dignity and respect.

11. Dialogue, mutual understanding, tolerance, compassion, solidarity and international cooperation must continue to guide our collective efforts and global partnerships to effectively address this global menace.

12. That concludes my statement as the Chair of OIC Core Group on Combatting Islamophobia. While this was not the place nor my intention to refer to any specific situation or any individual country, it seems that one guilty-conscious country, i.e. our eastern neighbour, finds it difficult to hide its guilt and culpability when it comes to Islamophobia. The Indian representative manifest disrespect towards OIC, its decisions and priorities, not just smacks of arrogance, but a malicious and convoluted mindset, that is so evident.

13. It was expected that India would join us today in condemning Islamophobia and would also brief the participants about the steps it will take to alleviate the plight of millions of Muslims and other religious minorities suffering from the hate-filled extremist Hindutva ideology in its country.

14. India, however, chose to deflect this question and tried to politicize today’s debate. This is a disservice to the victims of Islamophobia and undermines efforts being taken by responsible states of the world to combat this hate-spewing ideology.

15. The fact remains that India has the distinction of being the world’s biggest Islamophobic state, which has turned against its own minorities including Muslims, Christians and others. What stands India apart is that Islamophobia in India is not perpetrated by some fringe elements but under the direct patronage of the Indian state and government.

16. The 17th OIC Report on Islamophobia reveals that India represents most significant concentration of Islamophobic incidents globally, accounting for three-fifths of all documented manifestations. Only a couple of days ago, Muslims of Srinagar in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir were barred from offering Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramadan. This is the 7th year that such restriction has been imposed. Public lynching of Muslims, state sponsored destruction of centuries old mosques to be illegally replaced by the Hindu temple, are but a few examples of Islamophobia in India, so well known to the world. While Muslims constitute the largest minority group suffering from hate crimes, other religious minorities are not spared either.

17. Pakistan calls upon Indian government to distance itself from the Islamophobic incidents and discourse and punish those who commit such abominable acts. India’s progress on this subject, should be judged by its visible action, not the hollow rhetoric and lies its representatives peddle in the international forums.

Thank you.

@GovtofPakistan
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@PTVNewsOfficial
@RadioPakistan
@Asimiahmad
@PakistanPR_UN
@appcsocialmedia

[Garima @btwn_dimensions]

Dostoevsky died today (9 February) in 1881. So today is the day to quote Bulgakov from The Master and Margarita:

'Dostoevsky's dead,' said the citizeness, but somehow not very confidently.

'I protest!' Behemoth exclaimed hotly. 'Dostoevsky is immortal!'

[Qasim Aziz @QasimAziz1986]

These Illustrators Are Drawing A Fresh New Pakistani Identity via @forbes https://t.co/y8Q9vYyI6V

[Emirates @emirates]

On This Day: the first Emirates flight took to the skies. 📅 ✈️

[Qasim Aziz @QasimAziz1986]

@PakinChicago @zamanmehdi @PakinUSA @PkPublicDiplo Congratulations, sir. Best wishes.

[State of Palestine @Palestine_UN]

Palestinian Presidency statement on US denial of visas for Palestinian officials:

[OIC @OIC_OCI]

Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of 31 Arab and Islamic Countries and the Secretaries-General of the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Gulf Cooperation Council: https://t.co/96r6yG5WJK

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan @ForeignOfficePk]

🔊 PR No.2️⃣4️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣

Pakistan Condemns and Rejects the Statements by Israel Regarding Creation of “Greater Israel”.

🔗⬇️
https://t.co/P2nUIMuZsK

[Cricinfo @cricinfo]

The run-up. The speed. The celebration.

A mean bouncer, a hooping yorker, he put the fast in fast-bowling did Shoaib Akhtar ⚡

Happy 50th to the Rawalpindi Express 🎉 🎂

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan @ForeignOfficePk]

🔊PR NO.2️⃣3️⃣7️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣

Pakistan Welcomes the Award Rendered by the Court of Arbitration on the Issues of General Interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

🔗⬇️
https://t.co/fzmDYpXbYj

[Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN @PakistanUN_NY]

#PakistanAtUNSC

[Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, PR of Pakistan to the UN @PakistanPR_UN]

The Security Council must be ready to impose a cost on Israel if it defies the demand of the Council & will of the international community. The Council must enact enforcement measures including the deployment of an international protection force to save the besieged population.

[Aaron Maté @aaronjmate]

The Washington Post has published the known names of the 18,500 children killed by Israel in Gaza since Oct. 7th. At every 500th child, the Post tells you how many names of dead children you've read.
https://t.co/ibKBJnirFM

[State of Palestine UNOG @PalestineUNOG]

A cross-regional group of countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Iceland, Namibia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, and Venezuela, along with members of the OIC) sent a letter to @volker_turk regarding the sanctions imposed on @FranceskAlbs

[Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, PR of Pakistan to the UN @PakistanPR_UN]

An absolute honor and privilege to represent Pakistan as the President of the UN Security Council for the month of July 2025

As a responsible and active member of the @UN, Pakistan will work closely with other Council members to strengthen & promote multilateralism.

[Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50]

Pakistan welcomes the UN Secretary General’s decision to remove references to Pakistan from the Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict. This reflects our sustained, constructive engagement and reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to child protection.

It also marks a significant recognition of Pakistan’s national efforts to uphold child rights and ensure their well-being. Pakistan remains committed to working with the @UN and international partners to secure a safer, more hopeful future for all children.

[Dr. Yousef 🇵🇸 @yousef_ki1]

If you see this angel, reply with 🇵🇸 pray for her 💔!