ISLAMABAD, Nov 15 (APP):Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has called for renewed national efforts to promote tolerance, mutual respect, dialogue and understanding, describing these values as essential to peace, national unity, democratic stability and social cohesion. In his message on the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance, the Speaker said that tolerance and mutual respect are not merely social virtues but fundamental values essential for building a …
Political differences must be resolved through dialogue: Ayaz
ISLAMABAD, Nov 15 (APP):Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has called for renewed national efforts to promote tolerance, mutual respect, dialogue and understanding, describing these values as essential to peace, national unity, democratic stability and social cohesion.
In his message on the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance, the Speaker said that tolerance and mutual respect are not merely social virtues but fundamental values essential for building a peaceful, progressive and resilient society.
He said that differences of opinion are a natural feature of a pluralistic society, but they must be addressed through patience, dialogue, reason and mutual understanding rather than confrontation and hostility.
Ayaz Sadiq said that Pakistan’s strength lies in its rich religious, cultural, linguistic and social diversity.
He emphasized that respect for the beliefs, identities, traditions and viewpoints of others is vital to strengthening national harmony and fostering a shared sense of citizenship.
The Speaker stressed that intolerance, prejudice, hatred and extremism pose serious challenges to social cohesion and national unity.
He called for collective efforts to promote an environment in which diversity is respected, differences are acknowledged and every citizen is able to live with dignity, security and equal rights.
“Tolerance means creating space for difference without allowing difference to become a source of division, hatred or conflict,” the Speaker said.
He emphasized that the promotion of tolerance must begin with individual conduct and extend to families, communities, educational institutions, the media and public institutions.
Ayaz Sadiq underscored the particularly important role of young people, educational institutions and the media in nurturing a culture of dialogue and responsible public discourse.
He said that the younger generation must be equipped with the ability to listen, understand differing perspectives, engage constructively and resolve disagreements peacefully.
NA Speaker said that the media has a vital responsibility in promoting informed and responsible discourse and in strengthening understanding among different sections of society.
Educational institutions, he added, can play a transformative role in cultivating respect for diversity, critical thinking, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The Speaker reaffirmed that Parliament is the foremost democratic forum for dialogue, debate and the peaceful resolution of differences.
He said that disagreement is an essential element of democracy and should be viewed as a means of strengthening democratic discourse rather than as a cause for confrontation.
“Political differences are a natural part of democratic life; however, dialogue, consultation and parliamentary engagement must remain the preferred means of resolving differences, while the national interest must always remain paramount,” Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said.
The Speaker called upon all political parties and democratic forces to strengthen the tradition of dialogue, consultation and constructive engagement, emphasizing that democratic institutions become stronger when differences are managed through constitutional and parliamentary means.
The Speaker said that the International Day for Tolerance provides an opportunity to reaffirm the universal values of human dignity, equality, respect for diversity, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
He stressed that tolerance should not be confined to an annual observance but should become a sustained national commitment reflected in public life and everyday conduct.
“We must build a Pakistan where diversity is respected, differences are addressed through dialogue, and every citizen—irrespective of faith, culture, language or background—can live with dignity, security and equal opportunity,” he said.
Ayaz Sadiq expressed the hope that the observance of the International Day for Tolerance would reinforce the collective resolve to build a more peaceful, inclusive, harmonious and united Pakistan.
Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, in his message on the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance, said that tolerance, mutual respect and social harmony are essential for peace, stability and sustainable development.
The Deputy Speaker said that a cohesive society can only be built by promoting trust, understanding and respect among people belonging to different communities and social groups.
He stressed that intolerance and social divisions must be countered through dialogue, awareness and collective responsibility.
He said that tolerance should be reflected in our everyday behaviour, our language and our interaction with others, particularly in the way we respond to opinions and perspectives different from our own.
Mustafa Shah emphasized that differences should be resolved through dialogue and understanding rather than confrontation.
He said that every citizen, without discrimination, deserves dignity, protection and equal opportunities. He called for the collective efforts of individuals, families, educational institutions, media, civil society and public institutions to promote a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Mustafa Shah expressed confidence that through collective commitment and responsible social behaviour, Pakistan can further strengthen an inclusive society where diversity is respected, differences are managed peacefully and all citizens are able to contribute to the country’s progress and prosperity.
