Islamabad, 26 November 2021 (TDI): Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi addressed the International Interfaith Peace Conference. Representatives of various religious groups, ambassadors, social activists, and many others also attended the conference.
The conference was organized by the Interfaith Council for Peace and Harmony and Majlis Ulema-e-Pakistan and convened by Maulana Azad of Badshahi Mosque and the President of Pakistan, Arif Alvi.
While addressing the gathering, the Foreign Minister expressed that in today’s polarised & extreme world, the promotion of harmony is sacrosanct. He expressed that he was pleased to address the International Interfaith Peace Conference.
He underscored that Islam is a religion of peace and applauded the efforts of the previous generations in promoting harmony and peace. In addition to that, Shah Mahmood Qureshi encouraged the right of freedom of expression but denounced its exploitative shades and wrong use to further propaganda and other malaises.
He pledged to discourage behaviors that hurt the emotions of the people of other faith. He highlighted the efforts of Prime Minister Imran Khan in this regard, at various forums regarding Islamophobia, religious fanaticism, and intolerance.
He concluded his speech with high hopes from religious scholars to play their roles to transform the trends in promoting peace and harmony at home and abroad and not to let religious and political adventurism pollute societal harmony.
Additionally, President Arif Alvi also awarded International Peace Award to Ambassador of European Union (EU) to Pakistan, Androulla Kaminara who was attending the event; in recognition of her services in promoting interfaith harmony.
While speaking at the conference, she said that interfaith harmony is a need of the world and requires a constant struggle by the global community. She also highlighted that the Charter of EU and the UN charter, of which Pakistan is a signatory, emphasized freedom of religion.
The President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi expressed his views about the need and importance of interfaith harmony. He highlighted the role of Pakistan in spreading the message of tolerance towards other religions and minorities for a peaceful co-existence.
He further explained the need to respect humanity and their faiths in today’s age of inter-connectivity. The President also shed light on the other existing threats such as climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic which require collective actions to sail through these storms, for the survival of mankind.
Grand Imam Badshahi Mosque and Chairman Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad also expressed their views on religious and interfaith tolerance and peace.
