Religious scholars and members of civil society blamed social pressure and lack of education among the masses for the mistrust between Muslims and minority communities which often results in clashes.
Speaking at a seminar on ‘Class, religious, ethnic as well as gender discrimination issues in Pakistan and state and ulemas role in their solution’ organised by Pak Institute of Peace Studies (PIPS) on Tuesday, the scholars stressed on the need for a collective effort from all groups of society to defeat the myopic mindset spreading hatred and prejudice.
“It is a healthy sign to see that coordination between Muslims and Christians in particular has increased compared to a few years ago, however, a lot remains to be done,” said Mualana Noorul Haq Qadri, a former federal minister.
He noted that illiteracy was a major factor in the spread of hatred between different communities as ‘uneducated people are easily manipulated’. The speakers underlined the need for religious and other scholars to go to the masses with messages of peaceful coexistence and respect for diverse viewpoints.
Ulema Council Chairman Maulana Tahir Ashrafi opined that the common attitude of blaming religious scholars for every intolerant act should end. Pointing to incidents like the assassination of former Punjab governor Salman Taseer, Ashrafi said no maulvi instigated it.
He urged every institution, particularly the judiciary, to play its role in investigating cases of blasphemy. About the recent case of Rimsha Masih, a young Christian girl accused of blasphemy, Ashrafi said all ulema went to the police station and found that the two parties had already reconciled.
The Ullema Council chief said the religious scholars never pressurised the police to register a case against the girl as the dispute was already settled between her and the complainant. He urged that such incident be properly investigated before ‘flaring them up’.
The religious scholars admitted they had to play a responsible role in eliminating discrimination against minorities and to promote religious harmony and tolerance. They also urged the government to come forward to end discrimination towards religious minorities in the light of the guiding principles given by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr Sameeha Raheel Qazi, Quaid-e-Azam University Gender Studies Department Head Farzana Bari and Social Activist Marvi Sirmad emphasised that anti-women social customs and laws need to be examined thoroughly.
Bari stressed upon the need to give women equal opportunities in life to share financial burdens with their male counterparts.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 29th, 2012.
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