PHOTO: EXPRESS
The speakers were addressing the conference ‘Saiban-e-Pakistan’, a project of the Paigham-e- Pakistan narrative focused on the role of minorities launched on Monday at Islamic Research Institute (IRI) of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) in an international conference on inter-faith dialogue and national cohesion.
A declaration of 22 points has been jointly drafted by Paigham-e-Pakistan Centre for Peace, Reconciliation and Reconstruction studies of IRI and Council of Islamic Ideology. The conference was jointly organised by IRI and Nazarbayev Centre for development of interfaith and inter-civilisation dialogue, Kazakhstan.
Speaking on the occasion, they said educational institutions must play a role for creating awareness of minorities' rights. It was noted that society needs an atmosphere of unity, mutual respect and patience.
The conference was addressed by National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, who said the government had been a staunch supporter of protection of minority rights. Discouraging violence and promoting interfaith harmony were the leading objectives of the ruling party, said the speaker.
He vowed that lower house of parliament would soon witness a debate on promotion of peace and rights of minorities. The National Assembly (NA) speaker added that the culture of dialogue was a salient feature of a sound society and universities could play a vital role in this regard.
Nazarbayev Centre for development of interfaith and inter civilisational dialogue Chairman Board Altay Abibullayev addressed the conference and said dialogue was the key to maintaining global peace.
He stressed that youth was the most meaningful source for promoting dialogue and peace. He highlighted the importance of ties between Pakistan and Kazakhstan adding that February 24, was the day when Pakistan and Kazakhstan had commenced bilateral ties officially.
IIUI Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai stressed the need for imparting modern education based on critical thinking and characterisation integrated with the blend of Islamic character. He added that there was no place for terrorism in Islam and added that IIUI took the responsibility to provide a narrative to the nation to remain clear about Islam, its teachings and dissemination of the message of peace. He urged for the promotion of an attitude that supports peaceful co-existence.
IIUI President Dr Yousif Al Draiweesh said Islam was the only religion which gave complete rights to minorities. He called upon the Muslim societies to practice and provide the rights to minorities granted by Islam. He maintained that the university was keen to promote culture, peace and dialogue.
IRI Director General Dr Zia-ul-Haq elaborated on the journey of Paigham-e-Pakistan and said that it commenced with a gathering of religious scholars at IRI in a programme on reconstruction of Pakistani society where a decree was announced against terrorism.
He added that the decree was endorsed by all the religions' scholars in a programme at IIUI and the same was endorsed by the vice chancellors of more than 80 universities. He said that after the launch of Paigham-e-Pakistan, this programme was the continuity of that effort.
The conference was also addressed by Senator Anwarullah Kakakar, Karakoram International University Vice Chancellor Dr Attaullah Shah, Jenifer Jag Jevan, Peter Jacob and Zafarullah Khan.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 25th, 2020.
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