ISLAMABAD, Aug 4 (APP):Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, here on Tuesday held an important meeting with the Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and Khatib of the historic Badshahi Mosque, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, along with renowned international preacher and interfaith scholar Dr. Leif Hetland. The meeting convened to hold comprehensive discussions on promoting interfaith harmony, fostering tolerance, and safeguarding minority rights at both …
Pakistan committed to inter-faith harmony; reaffirms Religious Minister
ISLAMABAD, Aug 4 (APP):Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, here on Tuesday held an important meeting with the Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and Khatib of the historic Badshahi Mosque, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, along with renowned international preacher and interfaith scholar Dr. Leif Hetland.
The meeting convened to hold comprehensive discussions on promoting interfaith harmony, fostering tolerance, and safeguarding minority rights at both national and international levels.
During the meeting, Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf affirmed that the Government of Pakistan remained fully committed to promoting interfaith harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence nationwide. He emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights and religious freedom to all citizens without discrimination based on faith or creed, highlighting the imperative for collective efforts to spread messages of peace and affection across society.
Elaborating on the ministry’s proactive measures, the Federal Minister highlighted that Interfaith Harmony Committees have been reactivated at national, provincial, and district levels to unite religious scholars of all faiths on a single platform.
He further detailed key government efforts, including the official observance of religious festivals for minority communities, the protection and restoration of places of worship, the allocation of special scholarships for minority students, and the active promotion of the “Paigham-e-Pakistan” national narrative to effectively curb hate speech and sectarianism.
Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, stated that the foundational message of Islam is anchored in peace, security, and love for humanity. He emphasized that it is the religious and national obligation of scholars and religious leaders to take the lead in eradicating extremism and hatred while building bridges of understanding between followers of different faiths.
International scholar Dr. Leif Hetland commended Pakistan’s strategic initiatives in advancing interfaith dialogue, remarking that constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and unconditional love are essential for global peaceful coexistence.
The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to organize joint programs and capacity-building workshops to further foster interfaith tolerance.
