Some elements exploiting religion for their own agenda: Khawaja Asif

Federal minister stresses need for efforts to promote tolerance in society

SIALKOT: Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said some elements were using the name of religion and indulged in terrorism for their personal gains.

Addressing an oath-taking ceremony of newly elected office bearers of District Bar Association on Saturday, the minister said there was a need for collective efforts to change mindset of the society for promotion of tolerance. “It is unfortunate that some elements are using the name of religion and indulged in terrorism activities for their personal gains,” he said.

Asif said Islam was the religion of brotherhood, tolerance and love but some negative elements were trying to follow their own agenda through terror activities and creating chaos. "This tendency is damaging not only Pakistan but also Islam in the world," he added. The minister said it was the responsibility of every member of the society to defuse misconception about Islam and Pakistan.



"There is a dire need for promoting tolerance and traditions to bring radical changes in the society. The government is making adequate efforts to get rid of the menace of terrorism," he said.

Asif said there was a considerable and visible improvement in electricity supply and the duration of load-shedding has been reduced due to effective policies of the government.

"Load-shedding will be eliminated by the end of current year,” he claimed. Speaking about Sialkot-Lahore Motorway, he said development work was in full swing on its three sections, adding the motorway would help in linking remote areas along with its track and the distance between Sialkot-Lahore would be covered in 45 minutes.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 12^th, 2017.