President calls for Muslim unity

Urges countering extremism at Paigham-e-Islam moot

ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday urged religious scholars from across the Muslim world to play a proactive role in promoting unity, countering extremism, and projecting Islam's true message of peace.

Addressing the concluding session of the Sixth International Paigham-e-Islam Conference 2026 at the Presidency attended by former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla among ulema, diplomats, and delegates from various countries, including Palestine and Saudi Arabia, the president said the Muslim world was facing multiple challenges, including conflicts, instability, and divisions that required collective wisdom and unity to overcome.

He observed that recent developments in West Asia had exposed deep fault lines affecting regional stability and economic conditions, while also distorting the global perception of Islam. He stressed that both external misrepresentation and internal sectarianism were contributing to these challenges.

President Zardari emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace, balance, and humanity, noting that the sanctity of human life lies at the core of its teachings. He called upon religious scholars to provide practical and intellectual guidance rooted in Islamic principles to promote harmony, tolerance, and coexistence.

Referring to Pakistan's experience, he said the country had made significant sacrifices in the fight against extremism and remained committed to eliminating violence in all forms. He also reiterated Pakistan's foreign policy stance, highlighting the need for peaceful resolution of disputes in South Asia, including Jammu and Kashmir.

The president reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, calling for the establishment of an independent state of Palestine with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He also stressed the importance of peace in Afghanistan, saying Afghan soil should not be used for terrorist activities against any country. He appreciated the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Mohammed bin Salman for their efforts in promoting unity within the Muslim Ummah and addressing regional challenges.