ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a conference here stressed that interfaith harmony was vital to thwart the evil designs of the enemies who wanted to weaken Pakistan by inciting hatred and divisions among different religious groups to fulfill their nefarious agendas.
Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sahibzada Noor ul Haq Qadri was chief guest at the ‘Inter-Faith Harmony Conference’ held here at the Eidgah Sharif. Pir Naqib ur Rehman, Pir Hassan Hasib ur Rehman, MNAs Dr Ramesh Kumar and Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, Dr Sohaib from Pakistan Awami Tahreek, Bishop Sarfraz Peter, Pastor Pervaiz Sohail, Sardar Mahindar Singh Arora, religious scholars and seminary students attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister stressed the need to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) whose life is a complete guidance and a source of inspiration for every Muslim irrespective of his age, creed or geographical background. He said the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) brought revolutionary changes in the lives of the people. “We need to re-establish the nexus between Islam and peace to regain the past glory and identity,” he stressed, adding that Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) gave whole humanity a roadmap for success in the world and the life hereafter.
The minister threw light on the efforts of the current government for promoting interfaith harmony and peace in order to establish an inclusive Islamic society in Pakistan. He said such events were the best way to bring people from different religions and cultures together as well as bridge the gap between different religions. Maintaining that promoting interfaith harmony was a service to the whole humanity, he called for concerted efforts in this regard.
Qadri said the conference has been organized to promoting religious harmony, tolerance, brotherhood and equality, respect for humanity, non-violence, unity, reconciliation and a culture of dialogue in the society in order to counter extremism and terrorism and promote peace and stability. “The members of minorities including Hindu, Sikh, Christian and others are as patriotic Pakistanis as anyone else. All Pakistanis should stand united and make concerted efforts for progress and development of country,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, MNA Dr Ramesh Kumar termed the event a unique occasion that would help bring about interfaith harmony in the country. He also stressed the need for concerted moves to foster tolerance and solidarity among all religions in Pakistan, adding that it was the time that different religions display greater tolerance towards one another in order to ensure peace in the country.
In his address, Pir Naqeebur Rehman, Sajjada Nasheen of Eidgah Sharif Rawalpindi, said Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) brought light to the entire darkened world and pulled out the mankind from the ultimate illiteracy and short-sightedness. “Most of the issues and problems presently confronting the Muslim Ummah in general and the people of Pakistan in particular can be resolved if we follow the footsteps of Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) in true letter and spirit,” he added.
Pir Hassan Haseebur Rehman said Islam is the religion of humanity, with a perfect constitution aimed at bringing people together. “The life of Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) is the best example for the entire humanity. His message of peace, love, justice and religious tolerance will always be a leading light for the whole humanity.”
Published in Daily Times, January 4th 2019.
