Dr. Qibla Ayaz (Chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology): It is indeed a good move and need of the hour to devise strategies to combat Islamophobia. We have to appreciate Prime Minister Imran Khan who has been a leading international voice in raising awareness on the grave consequences of rising Islamophobia and in promoting inter-faith harmony. The Muslims in West have to establish close contact with the group that believes in living together with love and harmony. The word Islamophobia already existed but PM Imran Khan gave it a new direction and now the debates are going on across the globe on Islamophobia. Increased Islamophobia has created an impression among many Muslims that the West is against the followers of the second largest religion on earth. The world must realize that anti-Islam sentiments disturb the sentiments of Muslim Ummah.

Dr. Habib-ur-Rehman (Religious Scholar): Basically, phobia is an exaggerated, inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation. In recent years, a specific phobia has gripped Western societies termed as Islamophobia. It is unfortunate that every terrorist activity is linked with Muslims and religion of Islam. Our religion always preached about love and affection with human beings. The West needs to realize that terrorism has no religion. It is a fact that most suicide attacks are carried out by secularists. The West should avoid fanning anti-Muslim feelings based on their ideology. This could be one of the best ways to battle not only Islamophobia but far-right extremism as well. Prime Minister has urged Muslim countries to adopt a collective strategy to contain the rising tide of Islamophobia in the world. PM Imran Khan must be appreciated for taking a strong stance on Islamophobia. It is incumbent on leaders of the Muslim world to collectively take the lead in breaking this vicious cycle of hate, and extremism, which nurtures violence.

Rahimullah Yusufzai (Expert on Afghan Affairs): In my opinion, situation in Afghanistan is highly volatile and unfortunately there is no consensus among the major stakeholders in war-torn country. There are wide differences between Afghan government and Afghan Taliban. Now the venue of intra-Afghan dialogue has been shifted from Doha to Istanbul. But if participants are same then I am not sure that outcomes would change. There is need to implement the idea of holding meetings of foreign ministers of regional stakeholders in order to resolve the Afghan situation. During the ongoing peace dialogue, entire responsibility lies on the shoulders of Afghan leadership. But Afghan leadership, rather than to care about Afghan people, is prioritizing their personal interests. Afghan conflict is now 42 years old and the world must keep an eye on non-state actors including Daesh, Al-Qaeda and other militant organizations in Afghanistan who have been playing the role of peace spoiler. Peace and stability in Afghanistan is not possible until and unless Afghan Taliban are convinced to be part of national politics.

Dr. Zahid Anwar Khan (IR Expert): Only solution to prevailing Afghan situation is dialogue. Collective efforts by major stakeholders are mandatory and Afghan nation should also be taken into confidence. Pakistan has adopted a clear policy on peace and prosperity in Afghanistan based on ground realities. Conflicts within Afghan government are becoming a major hurdle in ongoing Afghan peace process. The Biden administration and other stakeholders also want solution to Afghan crisis as United States is bearing huge financial losses in war in Afghanistan. Whatever the venue of intra-Afghan dialogue is, it must be result-oriented. The fact is that all the groups in war-torn country want peaceful and stability in Afghanistan. Role of Islamabad in peace and prosperity in Afghanistan cannot be ignored as peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the best interest of Pakistan. The concerns of Pakistan must also be taken into considerations.