Pakistan president calls for collective action against hate speech

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari urged religious scholars, educators, media professionals, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and young people to play an active role in combating hate speech and promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and constructive engagement.

In a message marking the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, Zardari said legal measures alone were insufficient to address the growing challenge of hate-driven narratives and discriminatory attitudes.

“The challenge of hate speech cannot be addressed through legal measures alone. It also requires education, moral development and sustained efforts to build awareness and understanding,” the president said.

He called on citizens to ensure that their speech, writing and conduct reflect ethical values and the teachings of Islam, emphasizing that every individual has a role in shaping public discourse.

“By choosing respect over hostility and dialogue over division, we can help build a society where differences are addressed through understanding rather than hatred,” he said.

Zardari said hate speech, prejudice and incitement threaten social harmony, peace and human dignity, noting that in an interconnected world, the spread of hatred extends beyond national borders and affects global stability and development.

Highlighting Islamic teachings, the president said Islam promotes compassion, tolerance, justice and respect for humanity. He cited verses from the Holy Quran encouraging believers to speak truthfully, kindly and wisely, as well as sayings of the Prophet Muhammad stressing the importance of good speech and peaceful conduct.

Islam is a religion that upholds the values of compassion, tolerance, justice, moderation and respect for humanity, the president said, quoting some verses from the Holy Quran. 

The Holy Quran guides us to adopt civility, wisdom and righteousness in our speech and conduct. Allah Almighty says: "O believers! Be mindful of Allah, and say what is right." (33:70)

The Holy Quran further instructs: "Speak kindly to people."(2:83)

Allah Almighty also says: "Repel evil with what is better." (41:34)

The Prophet Muhammad said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent." (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

He also said: "A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe." (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Addressing the role of technology, Zardari said social media and modern communication platforms have expanded opportunities for expression but also carry responsibilities.

“In the digital age, social media and modern communication platforms have significantly expanded opportunities for expression. However, this freedom carries a responsibility to ensure that our words are guided by truth, wisdom and respect for others,” he said.

He warned that irresponsible discourse and hate-filled content fuel division, mistrust and violence, weakening the social fabric.

The president also underscored Pakistan’s diversity, describing it as a society made up of people from different faiths, sects, cultures and linguistic backgrounds. He said the country’s constitution guarantees equal rights, religious freedom and dignity for all citizens.

“Our collective strength lies in unity, mutual respect and tolerance,” Zardari said, adding that promoting interfaith harmony, inter-sect understanding and constructive dialogue remains essential for national cohesion.

He noted that hate speech affects people in schools, workplaces, places of worship and online spaces, creating divisions and undermining trust within communities.

Concluding his message, Zardari prayed for peace, stability, unity and prosperity in Pakistan and called for greater understanding, harmony and mutual respect among people worldwide.