Page 19 - Pakistan Link - July 30, 2021

COMMUNITY JULY 30, 2021 – PAKISTAN LINK – P19
Religious Scholars Stress Interfaith Harmony & Need for Developing Tolerance

n By Link Karachi Correspondent violence requires a dialogue be- upholding the values of religious
tween people of different groups. freedom, inclusion, and diversity.
mbassador Allama Ahsan To achieve this goal the govern- Ambassador Allama Imam
Siddiqui, Chairman In- ment will hold training sessions Ahsan Siddiqui, Chairman of In-
Aterfaith Council for Peace for Imams, Preachers, Teachers terfaith Council for Peace and
and Harmony (ICPH), has an- as per modern requirements and Harmony (ICPH), moderated the
nounced to launch a vigorous standards of society.” conference. Addressing the guests,
campaign to promote interfaith Consul General Honorable he said that the ICPH, with the
harmony and respect for sacred Rob Silberstein praised the efforts support of Ulema-o-Mashaikh,
personalities of all religions. of Ambassador Allama Imam Ah- has been playing an effective role
Paigham-e-Pakistan rules out san Siddiqui, Chairman of Inter- to keep a check on the misuse of
any form of terrorism and self- faith Commission for Peace and blasphemy law. He further added
proclaimed acts of violent extrem- Harmony (ICPH) and President that Paigham-e-Pakistan rules out
ism in the name of religion. The AMMWEC Anila Ali in being a any form of terrorism and self-
Paigham-e- Pakistan narrative, he unifying force and exemplifying proclaimed acts of violent extrem-
said, was also ably presented by the best of American and Muslim ism in the name of religion. All the
Prime Minister Imran Khan in the values. Consul General US virtu- religious parties have agreed that
United Nations and it was duly ap- ally joined the event and said that forceful conversions could not be
preciated on a global scale. Inter-Faith Harmony is an impor- made, and all such incidents are
Ambassador Allama Ahsan tant idea in a multi-religious so- being seen on case-to-case basis. Ateeq al Remeithi, also graced scholars should pay visits to places
Siddiqui was addressing the Inter- ciety. There should be well man- Ambassador Siddiqui ex- the occasion and appreciated the of worship of other beliefs to fur-
national Religious Freedom and aged arrangements for religious plained that the Ulema had been interfaith harmony created by all ther promote social, cultural, and
Interfaith Harmony Conference co-existence in all parts of the playing an effective role in re- those present. The UAE has be- inter-faith harmony.
2021 at the Avari Towers in Kara- globe. He said, “I would like to straining underage marriages and come the epitome of peace and Anila Ali, President of Ameri-
chi, Pakistan. emphasize that the United States coordination is being made in this tolerance where religious free- can Muslim and Multifaith Wom-
Islam teaches us tolerance, is deeply committed to promoting regard between representatives of dom and peaceful coexistence is en’s Empowerment Council, said
humility, and humbleness and we and protecting universal freedom different religions, sects and the at par, he said. Abrahamic House that it is not just the responsibility
can establish peace and harmony of religion. The ability to practice government. He added that the is a strong message of tolerance of religious leaders but all mem-
in our personal lives, society and one’s faith freely goes to the heart minorities living in Pakistan enjoy from UAE. Prophet Abraham is bers of civil society to be involved
the world at large by following of what it means to be human. It is all rights guaranteed in the Consti- a revered prophet in Islam, Juda- in ensuring interfaith harmony. In
the teachings of the Holy Prophet a key element of an open and stable tution of the country and no orga- ism and Christianity. The unique the past, there have been incidents
(PBUH), scholars and speak- society and forms the cornerstone nization or individual could force religious landmark symbolizes the of religious hatred incited by poli-
ers said at the concluding session of a vibrant democracy. Where the the minorities to change their re- state of peaceful coexistence and ticians for electoral gains. Exhort-
of the conference organized by freedom of religion is promoted, ligion. He suggested that the gov- human fraternity experienced by ing the need of nurturing a culture
ICPH in collaboration with the economic opportunity grows, se- ernment must expedite the process all communities living in the UAE, of accountability, both nationally
American Muslim and Multifaith curity increases, and people flour- of legislation for the Minorities regardless of their nationalities, be- and internationally, the AMWEC
Women’s Empowerment Council. ish. The United States is partner- and ensure the proper implemen- liefs and religions. The new land- President said that criminal jus-
Religious scholars from various ing to protect minority rights as a tation of the law. mark will symbolize the state of tice is necessary for bringing the
faiths including representatives of bulwark against increased religious Ambassador Siddiqui shared coexistence and human fraternity people promoting religious hatred
Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, intolerance. Pakistan has made his views that morality and human experienced by people from vari- to the task. “Impunity for commit-
Paarsi and Bihaai communities, progress with laws to protect trans- rights are an essential component ous ethnicities, nationalities and ting hate crimes should be demol-
social activists, diplomats from gender persons and restrict child of every religion and today’s con- beliefs in the UAE. ished.”
several countries and people from marriage and trafficking in per- ference would spread the message His Eminence, Cardinal Jo- At the conclusion of the event
different walks of life participated sons; however, they need to be put of unity, harmony and peace. He seph Coutts Pakistani prelate of a declaration and pledge was
in the conference. Many interna- into action. We have provided mil- said the Pakistan government had the Catholic Church and keynote signed by all religious scholars, civ-
tional dignitaries joined the event lions of dollars to support training taken many steps for creating in- speaker, lauded the event in these il society members, and attendees
virtually and shared their views on programs for law enforcement, the terfaith harmony and such confer- words: “We are very lucky to get as a commitment that they will be
the important and sensitive topic. judiciary, and the legal community ences promote patience, kindness, the opportunity for disseminat- active agents to promote interfaith
Speaking on the occasion, to build awareness about the laws forgiveness and tolerance among ing love and peace. We observe harmony, love and respect among
Senior Sindh Minister Mr Nasir that protect minority rights.” He the masses in a positive manner. the principles of mutual respect, practitioners of various religious
Hussain Shah said, “Ending ex- commended the faith leaders, civil The Consul General of UAE we can avoid hurting people”. The beliefs for the peaceful co-exis-
tremism, terrorism and sectarian society and all political parties for in Karachi, His Excellency Bakheet leaders of different beliefs and tence of mankind.
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