Interfaith Harmony Conference Addressed by Federal and Provincial Ministers

'Pakistan is Our Identity, Religious Harmony Must Extend Beyond Borders'
Lahore Ali Imran Chattha, Nazrana Times
 

Speaking at a special conference held at the Cathedral Church in Lahore to promote religious harmony and mutual understanding, federal and provincial ministers along with religious scholars highlighted the exemplary traditions of interfaith harmony in Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yusuf stated that Pakistan is our identity, and the purpose of religious harmony is to increase mutual love and affection. He said that religious tolerance brings refinement, peace, and tranquility to society. We all must work together for the country's stability and prosperity. The Federal Minister said that Pakistan is a country where people of different religions freely practice their religious rituals and celebrate their festivals. No religion teaches terrorism, hatred, or enmity.
Minister of State for Interfaith Harmony Kheal Das Kohistani said that religious harmony must extend beyond borders. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, we are advancing the vision of the Quaid-e-Azam regarding religious harmony. He said that the government is committed to people of all religions that any handful of individuals who commit excesses or injustices will not be forgiven. Kohistani stated that Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is not just the Prime Minister of Muslims but of the entire Pakistani nation, which is why festivals like Diwali and Christmas were celebrated at the Prime Minister's House.
Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Punjab Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora addressed the conference and said that the Punjab government is taking all possible measures for the protection of minorities and the promotion of their rights. He stated, "The very existence of Pakistan is the biggest guarantee for minorities, and together we must make Pakistan a cradle of peace." He further added, "Under the direction of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, special projects have been initiated for the development of minority populations across the province, and relief is being provided to minority communities during festivals."
Other speakers who addressed the conference included Chairman of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Bishop Nadeem Kamran, Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi, and Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashraf, among others. The speakers stated that the whole world witnessed the confrontation between truth and falsehood [likely referring to Operation Burq-e-Haq], during which the entire nation, including minorities, stood united with the government and the armed forces.
Addressing the conference, Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yusuf said that the entire nation condemns the terrorist incident at the Imambargah in Islamabad, and the nation will stand as a solid wall to prevent such incidents. He said that the enemy is carrying out terrorism, while no terrorist has any religion or sect. All terrorists are enemies of humanity and the country, and their suppression is essential.
Responding to Indian allegations, Minister of State Kheal Das Kohistani said that India carried out cowardly actions and blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam incident. The Prime Minister offered India mediation by a third party. He said that Pakistan broke Modi's arrogance by downing his aircraft but never targeted any religious place, which is why US President Donald Trump praised the Prime Minister and the General.
At the conclusion of the conference, participants offered a special prayer for peace, religious harmony, and national unity in Pakistan.