Seminar: Media urged to promote religious tolerance

Speakers stress on settling differences through dialogue.

PESHAWAR:

All the religions in the world preach love, peace and humanity for everyone. This was the consensus among speakers at a seminar on the ‘Role of Media in Promotion of Peace’ held by members of Pakistan Council of World Religions here on Monday.

The seminar was attended by representatives of different religions, including Qari Roohullah Madani, Hafiz Abdul Ghafoor, Bishop Humphery S Peter, Haroon Sarb Diyal and Sardar Charan Jeet Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, Ghafoor stressed on the need to settle difference with the help of dialogue instead of violence.

Shahab Khattak said, “There is a dire need to promote religious harmony in today’s world and all parties should join hands to fight for peace, humanity and tolerance.”

Singh expressed grief over the fact that people were using religion to fight each other, adding that none of the religious books supported such nefarious ideas.

The speakers emphasised that no one should interfere in others’ beliefs and should respect each others’ religious values. They went on to say that even though different religions have different names for god, they all believe in one God to be the creator of the universe.

They called on the media to play its role in spreading religious harmony to promote a tolerant and pluralistic society.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2011.