Nazir H Siyal
KARACHI: As part of a broader nationwide campaign on Peace, Diversity and Interfaith Harmony, in this connection “Interfaith Harmony Conference” was organised by Ministry of Religious Affairs here at local hotel.
The Conference was addressed by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Mohammad Yousuf and speakers of different faiths in Pakistan.
The speakers and participants unanimously called for peace , unity and interfaith harmony. The speakers termed interfaith harmony “need of hour” and stressed on dialogue over conflict. Speakers unanimously praised Pakistan Government’s efforts for promoting peace, stablity and diversity.
Sardar Ramesh Singh thanked Government of Pakistan for increasing qouta of Sikh Yatris for Besakhi festival.
Speaking at the Conference, Mufti Munib ur Rehman, praied that in Pakistan people of different faiths have more freedom than any part of the world. He arqued that there is a reserve qouta for non-muslims which is nowhere in the world. He also requested from the parliament to remove Minority word from constitution as it gives sense of insecurity to the people of different faiths other than Muslims.
Speaking at the conference, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Mohammad Yousuf said that his ministry is doing all out efforts to promote peace and diversity in the country. This conference is part of nation wide conferences in different provincial capitals.
He further beifed the audience about the National Interfaith and Tolerance policy, which aims to foster unity between people of different faiths in Pakistan. He further told the audience that MoRA is providing scholarships and financial assistance to the non Muslims and renovation to the worshiping places.
He appreciated the stance of every speaker and said that everyone spoke Pakistan’s perspective and being Pakistani is what should actually matter. Therefore, everyone should play it’s part, he continued.
He briefed the audience that no religion promotes hatred and violence, therefore, we must not allow anyone to spread hate.
On Israeli attrocities in Palestine, he lamented the atrocities and said that Pakistan’s Government condemns Israeli terrorism and is determined to support people of Palestine.