Interfaith harmony: Governor urges ulema to preach tolerance

Delegation of Sunni and Shia scholars meets Khosa.

LAHORE:

Governor Sardar Latif Khosa met with a joint delegation of Shia and Sunni ulema on Saturday and urged them to work for interfaith harmony.

Islam is against all forms of violence and preaches tolerance, the governor said in conversation with a delegation. He said in an Islamic society, every community was free to live their lives according to their beliefs. “Islam promotes consensus, harmony and also urges respect for individuals and humanity,” he said.

Khosa said the violence in Pakistan today was the result of the promotion of hatred and fanaticism in the past. He asked ulema to work to bring different sects together. “Our vision and mission is to end hatred and prejudice so our society can be a model of moderation, reflecting the true face of Islam, which is based upon truth and integrity,” he said.

The delegation informed the governor about their problems and he assured them that he would help them. They also appreciated the federal government’s steps to promote religious harmony.

Pakistan People’s Party Punjab President Imtiaz Safdar Warraich, General Secretary Samiullah Khan and Advisor to the President Naveed Chaudhry were also present.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2011.