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ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP): Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Thursday said minorities were not a weakness but a strength of Pakistan, stressing that the protection of their rights, lives and property was the constitutional and moral responsibility of the state.
He was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Interfaith Harmony and Stability of Pakistan” organised by the Department of Islamic Studies at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), Islamabad.
The minister said that Islamic teachings and the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed full rights to minorities and promoted peaceful coexistence based on dialogue and mutual respect.
He added that the country’s youth were its greatest asset and that the government was committed to strengthening Pakistan as a peaceful and stable state through inclusive policies and democratic governance.
Campus Incharge Dr Saba Bashir, Head of the Department of Islamic Studies, Dr Muhammad Irfan and Additional Registrar Chaudhry Aleem Raza also addressed the seminar.
Dr Saba Bashir thanked the federal minister for visiting the university and appreciated the Department of Islamic Studies for initiating dialogue on religious harmony.
She also commended Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari for providing academic forums on national issues.
Dr Irfan said that adopting the Seerat of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as a model of conduct could ensure success in this world and the hereafter, adding that the Charter of Madina remained a viable roadmap for building a stable society.
Guest speaker Jamil Farooqi said projecting Pakistan’s positive image globally was also the responsibility of the youth and expressed satisfaction over the university’s role in their intellectual and moral training.
Assistant Professor Dr Habibur Rehman moderated the seminar.
Shields were presented to special guests, while Pahal Digital News received a certificate for professional coverage of the university’s co-curricular activities.
Students of the Departments of Commerce and International Relations were also awarded shields for assisting in administrative arrangements.