Panel discussion: ‘State of minorities in 2014 was pathetic’

MULTAN:

“Fear and hate have permeated the society in several ways. To counter that, the clergy of all faiths should hold interfaith dialogue in churches and mosques. We need to work together to promote human rights,” Bishop of Multan Leo Rodrick Paul said on Tuesday.

He was addressing a panel discussion on the Status of Minority Rights in 2014. The event was organised by the Rights of Expression, Assembly, Association and Thought (REAT) Network. Bishop Paul, Mufti Usman Jullendhri and Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Multan coordinator Faisal Tangwani also spoke on the occasion.

Jullendhri said Islam taught respect for minorities.

He said there were some religious scholars who had a different agenda and were harming interfaith harmony in the country for personal motives.

Tangwani said the government must fast-track the implementation of Supreme Court’s order to set up a minority rights commission and amend the state curriculum to create a peaceful environment.

He said the status of minority rights had remained pathetic during the current year.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24^th, 2014.