President Dr. Arif Alvi has urged the Islamic countries to work together to change the perceptions of the world with regard to Islamophobia.

He was talking to the visiting President of the Arab Parliament Adel bin Abdul Rahman Al-Asoomi, who called on him, in Islamabad today (Monday).

The President said Islamic countries have been facing the challenges of terrorism and Islamophobia, which could be overcome through close cooperation among them.

He said Pakistan's policy has shifted from geo-politics to geo-economics that focused on regional connectivity; development partnerships and socio-economic uplift, and peace within the region.

The President highlighted that Pakistan has been making efforts to promote peace in the region, particularly in Afghanistan.

The President apprised Adel bin Abdul Rahman Al-Asoomi about the apartheid policies of the Modi-led BJP Government in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He reiterated Pakistan's support to the just cause of Palestinians and called for the establishment of a viable, independent and contiguous state of Palestine on the basis of internationally accepted parameters, with pre-1967 borders, and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

The President of Arab Parliament said Pakistan is an important country for the Arab world which has played a historical role in supporting the cause of Islamic Ummah.

He underlined the need to work closely by the Islamic world to meet the challenges being faced by the Islamic countries.

He also emphasized the need for exchanging delegations to further cement ties between Pakistan and the Arab world.

He said the Arab Parliament supported Pakistan's stance on IIOJK.