'Religion does not hinder peace, people do'

At a seminar, experts weigh in on role of religion in fostering harmony

ISLAMABAD:

Challenges to peace and justice largely arise from the misinterpretations and actions of followers rather than the essence of religion itself.

"Manipulated religious teachings, used for personal, political, or ideological gains, frequently fuel conflicts. In this context, a common ground for global unity through diverse paths can be established by teaching and embodying the true essence of faith."

These words were spoken by Federal Shariat Court Judge Justice Dr Syed Muhammed Anwer at the concluding session of an international seminar titled "The Role of Religions in Fostering Peace, Harmony, and Justice," held at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad. The session was also addressed by IPS Chairman Khalid Rahman, Ambassador (retd) Syed Abrar Hussain, IPS Vice Chairman and Allama Iqbal Open University Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies Dean Dr Mohyuddin Hashmi Islamabad.

Justice Syed Anwer, drawing attention to Pakistan's unique constitutional and symbolic recognition of religious minorities, highlighted the reflection of religious inclusivity in the national flag and its definition of minorities. Unlike many nations, Pakistan's framework considers minorities solely based on religious beliefs, not caste, colour, or creed, ensuring equal constitutional rights for all citizens. However, he acknowledged that the ideal of equality is not always reflected in practice, urging a renewed focus on teaching and promoting the true values of religion.

Exploring the contrasting experiences of minorities in secular and religious states, the speaker pointed out that secular states often face challenges in ensuring the safety and rights of their minority populations. He emphasised the multifaceted nature of the issue, noting that faith communities need to prioritise the dissemination of their core messages of peace and mutual respect.

Presenting his insights on the way forward, Khalid Rahman underscored the complexity of creating a just environment, emphasising that the prevailing narratives and structures are often shaped by powerful elites who primarily benefit from the status quo.