London, (Unib Rashid) __ British Member of Parliament Afzal Khan has presented a petition in the UK Parliament calling for official recognition and nationwide observance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Khan highlighted the alarming rise in anti-Muslim hate incidents across the United Kingdom. He stated that in 2025, 45 percent of all religious hate crimes recorded in the UK were directed at Muslims, representing a 92 percent increase since 2023.

The MP emphasized that anti-Muslim hostility is increasingly visible online, in parts of the media, on the streets, and even within political discourse. He said the UN-designated day provides an important opportunity to unite against racism and discrimination targeting Muslim communities.

Through the petition, the petitioner urged the UK government to take concrete steps to support and officially mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on 15 March across the country. The initiative aims to promote awareness, encourage dialogue, and foster a more tolerant and cohesive society.

Khan noted that recognizing the day at a national level would send a strong message against hatred and reaffirm the UK’s commitment to tackling all forms of racism and religious discrimination.