Pakistan, Canada in U nison against Islamophobia
Islamabad: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with his Canadian counter-part Marc Garneau on Tuesday to discuss the recent tragic incident of Islamophoia in Canada, as well as bilateral ties.
The two foreign ministers agreed to work together on countering Islamophobia through coordinated efforts at various international fora, said a statement issued by the Foreign Office. “Both foreign ministers further agreed to remain in close contact [in this connections],” it added.
A Canadian Muslim family of Pakistani origin on Sunday lost three generations after it was targeted in a “ religiously-motivated ” attack when a pick-up truck ran over them in the south of Canada's Ontario province.
The family had migrated to Canada from Pakistan 14 years ago.
Qureshi, during the telephonic conversation, stated that the Islamophobic attack was a matter of serious concern and had caused anguish among Muslims worldwide. He appreciated the fact that the Canadian government, civil society, media and general public had extended support to the family in this hour of grief.
He expressed hope that the perpetrator of the crime would be brought to justice at the earliest.
Qureshi briefed his Canadian counterpart on the efforts undertaken by the government of Pakistan to raise awareness and to curtail the growing Islamophobic tendencies. He underscored that the international community must show a common resolve against the rising trend of Islamophobia and promote peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony.
The tragic incident sent shockwave across the world with leaders condemning the brutal act.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the incident as a “ terrorist attack ”. Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, he called the attack “a brutal, cowardly, and brazen act of violence”.
“This was no accident,” he said. “This was a terrorist attack, motivated by hatred, in the heart of one of our communities.”
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