The prime minister has shown concerns about the marginalization of Muslims in the western countries
Imran Khan has written a letter to the leaders of the Muslim world to step forward and stem the flow of the hate created by Islamophobia in the Western world, particularly in Europe. The environment towards Muslims is hostile in many countries after French President Emanuel Macron spewed anti-Islam venom recently.
“I urge all our Muslim leaders as a collectivity to raise our voice and explain to the leadership of the non-Muslim, especially Western states, the deep-seated reverence and love all Muslims feel for their divine book, the Holy Quran, and for our Prophet (PBUH). It is time to reach out to ‘the other’ and end cycles of violence bred of ignorance and hate,” the prime minister wrote in a letter to the Muslim leaders.
“The recent statements at the leadership level and incidents of desecration of the Holy Quran are a reflection of this increasing Islamophobia that is spreading in European countries where sizeable Muslim populations reside,” the letter read.
Marginalization of Muslims
Imran further added such statements result in “further discriminatory actions by governments” against Muslim populations within those states, leading to “marginalization of Muslims and the creating of space for radical, far-right groups to exploit the situation”.
“On the other side, the resulting marginalization leads to radicalization and this vicious cycle continues to create increasing space for extremists on all sides,” said the prime minister.
Issues with Europe
Muslims in Europe has been under many state-enforced restrictions such as Hijab bans. Hate attacks have also become commonplace, especially after anti-Islam and anti-Muslim statements by many politicians over the years. However, up until now, the head of states has maintained a sane mindset and have not made any inflammatory statements like Macron.