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RAWALPINDI, Sep 08 (APP): The Conference on Peace Building and Interfaith Harmony in Islamabad on Monday concluded with a joint commitment by all participants to continue efforts for peace, unity, and mutual respect among religions.
The high-profile conference, organized by the Shahbaz Bhatti Foundation, was attended by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Ambassador of Vatican to Pakistan, Ambassador of Italy, Badshahi Mosque Imam Maulana Syed Abdul Khabir Azad, Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Punjab Ramesh Singh Arora and various leaders of different faiths.
Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, in his address, said that the Government of Pakistan was fully committed to promoting interfaith harmony in line with the teachings of “our religion and the vision of our forefathers”.
“Together, we can defeat intolerance and extremism,” he stressed.
Provincial Minister Arora reaffirmed the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for equal rights of all citizens.
He paid tribute to Shahbaz Bhatti, stressing that peace building means creating societies rooted in justice, respect, and empathy. He assured that the Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, was committed to protecting minority rights and promoting dialogue across communities.
Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad said, “Islam’s true message is peace, tolerance, and respect for all humanity. Such conferences play a vital role in uniting different faiths for the betterment of society.”
The Vatican Ambassador stated that dialogue among religions was not only necessary but essential for global peace.
“Pakistan’s interfaith initiatives are a positive example for the world,” he added.
The Italian Ambassador remarked that Italy stood with Pakistan in its efforts for harmony and peaceful coexistence. “Diversity, when respected, becomes a true strength for nations.”
Earlier, Dr Paul Bhatti, representing the Shahbaz Bhatti Foundation, welcomed the participants and highlighted the objective of the conference, emphasizing that peace and harmony transcend borders and religions.