PM of Pakistan Madame Chair, Pakistan congratulates you on your appointment and commends the selection of this year’s theme. Human rights protection for religious minorities remains an overriding priority for my delegation. Constitutional safeguards ensure freedom from discrimination and provide guaranteed representation. Individuals from minority communities serve as lawmakers in parliament, as well as in high-ranking positions in the government and the military, the private sector, and the arts, among many other areas. These role models raise their communities’ visibility and serve as anchors of cohesion. The National Commission for the Rights of Minorities would further enhance the institutional framework with quasi-judicial authority to investigate and address alleged violations while aligning with the Paris Principles. Madame Chair, weaponized disinformation against minorities, particularly on the basis of religion, is a major barrier to coexistence and actively undermines trust. Attacks on religious symbols, places of worship, are often disguised as theological differences, but are often just a prelude to more heinous crimes against minority individuals and communities. The misuse of modern technology, such as social media and generative AI, has compounded the challenge of addressing hatred against minorities. The scale, speed, and sophistication of online human rights risks necessitate proactive prevention. Ex post reactions can be too little and too late for the victims. Fulfilling the legal obligation to prohibit the advocacy of hatred constituting incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence remains key to building trust and cohesion, and ensuring that minorities are fully empowered to contribute to society. Thank you.

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