PHOTO: AFP
“The government should constitute a task force to devise an action plan for protection of minorities. Legislation should be introduced against sectarianism,” said participants of a rally organised by Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM), Peace and Human Development (PHD Foundation), Pakistan NGOs Network (PNN), Lyallpur Development Organization (LDO) and Rights of Expression, Assembly, Association and Thought (REAT Network) on Monday.
Participants condemned the recent attack on the Pakistan Air Force base in Peshawar. They also released balloons bearing messages of peace and harmony.
Addressing the rally, MNA Khalida Mansoor said sectarianism bred terrorism.
She said the government was determined to purge the country of terrorism and extremism.
“The government is taking action against terrorists and their facilitators. Those supporting sectarian violence are also being taken to task,” she said.
She said the government had launched a drive to curb distribution of banned literature.
Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) President Rizwan Ashraf said thousands of people had suffered at the hands of terrorists.
“It is the collective responsibility of citizens to encourage pluralism through diversity,” he said.
Suneel Malik, the Peace and Human Development (PHD Foundation) director, said efforts were needed to break stereotypes and encourage understanding and cooperation among communities.
“Recently, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told a meeting with representatives of seminaries that they should take action against those inciting violence on the basis of sect and religion,” he said. “The government should introduce legislation to strengthen such directives.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 22nd, 2015.
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