KARACHI: In collaboration with the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi a conference on Interfaith Harmony was organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in Karachi on 26 December 2023, according to PID news release.
The conference was addressed by Dr. Naeem Ahmed, Prof Dr Shaista Tabassum, Prof Dr Khalida Ghous, Sardar Ramesh Singh, Mrs. Kalpana Devi, Bishop Frderick John, Dr Mohsin Naqvi, Mufti Muneeb UR Rehman, Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, VC University of Karachi and Chief Guest Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Hon’ble Aneeq Ahmed.
Speakers of the conference were unanimous in their call that every religion teaches humanity and harmony is essential for the existence of the country.
Sardar Ramesh Singh, Patron in chief of Pakistan Sikh Council, said that every citizen of Pakistan has complete freedom and enjoys equal rights.
Kalpana Devi, an Ex Additional Advocate General and Member Sindh Public Service Commission said that
Pakistan is foremost identity and everyone has complete freedom to live and exercise religion of one’s choice.
Bishop Frderick John, The Bishop of Karachi & Balochistan Diocese, said that using the term minority and majority is against the essence of Pakistan, everyone here is respected and there’s a dire need to expand the aura of tolerance and respect of diversity.
Dr. Mohsin Naqvi, a renowned scholar, also emphasized that in Pakistan no one is majority or minority, all are equal citizens of the country regardless of their religion.
Speaking on the subject, The Minister remarked that tolerance over intolerance and dialogue over conflict needs to be adopted and spread. He mentioned speech of Quaid e Azam in which the founder set clear direction for a state to respect every religion and treat every citizen equal. The Minister praised and lauded role of society specially Ulema, who came forward in support of victim of Jaranwala tragedy and urged audience to spread message of peace and positive Pakistan. The Minister pledged to organise more workshops and seminars in academic institutions across the country.
Addressing the conference, Prominent Aalim e Deen Mufti Muneeb UR Rehman commented that Pakistan has reserved seats in legislative assemblies, educational institutions, employment opportunities which is exemplary and found nowhere in the world.
Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Cardinal Pope of Vatican and Archdiocese of Karachi, said that We are children of God and he commands us to live in harmony.
Vice chancellor of University of Karachi, Prof Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi also shed light on the subject and emphasized that we are human first, therefore there’s a dire need to celebrate diversity in the society.
As the conference proceeded to the conclusion, participants and speakers pledged their role in fostering unity and promoting peace.
Hon’ble Minister and other guests were presented memento at the conclusion of the conference.
