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ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday led the World Tolerance Day celebrations here at the Prime Minister’s Office, reaffirming that the very philosophy behind the creation of Pakistan was rooted in tolerance, patience, and peaceful coexistence.
Addressing the gathering, the prime minister said that Pakistan emerged after immense sacrifices under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who brought together people from different walks of life, beliefs, and backgrounds.
He said Quaid-e-Azam’s historic August 11, 1947 speech will remain a guiding light “till the Day of Judgment,” reminding the nation that all faiths in Pakistan were to enjoy liberty and live together in harmony.
Recalling the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the prime minister said the Prophet’s example is “a great treasure” teaching patience, tolerance, and compassion. Citing the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, he said the Holy Prophet (PBUH) chose peace and restraint despite the companions’ desire to complete Hajj in the face of opposition.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said that World Tolerance Day invites Pakistanis to relearn the greatest lessons of forgiveness and moral courage. Referring to the conquest of Makkah, he said that even the fiercest opponents of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)admitted their mistake and recognized the truth of his message of compassion and brotherhood.
He stressed that tolerance and patience are shared values across all revealed religions, including the teachings of Prophet Isa (AS). “If we revive these values of tolerance, compassion, and unity, Pakistan’s society will once again stand strong and dignified,” he added.
The PM appreciated the soulful presentation of South Punjab Sufi poet’s verses by Areeb Azhar during the ceremony and prayed for Pakistan where all schools of thought and all faith communities live in peace and dignity. He urged citizens to pledge not only to speak of tolerance but to demonstrate it through their actions.
“Pakistan Paindabad,” he concluded.
Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, highlighted Quaid-e-Azam’s vision for a tolerant and harmonious Pakistan. He said tolerance was central to the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), especially in caring for the poor, the vulnerable, and the specially-abled.
He emphasized the importance of protecting minority rights, respecting transgender citizens, and empowering school-going girls.
Former Senator Kamran Michael praised the prime minister’s leadership, saying that his efforts to promote tolerance would bring “grassroots-level impact.” He said Pakistan’s centuries-old traditions of love and coexistence must guide society in rejecting intolerance.
The event featured a Sufi kalam performance by Areeb Azhar and a video message from Dr. Samuel Rizk, UNDP Resident Representative, who said that tolerance is deeply rooted in Pakistan’s history and culture.
He noted that Pakistan has ratified seven core UN human rights conventions, all based on equality and non-discrimination. Quoting Quaid-e-Azam, he recalled: “Our object should be peace within and peace without.”
NCSW Chairperson Umme Laila Azhar said the spirit of tolerance is embedded in Pakistan’s constitutional values, guaranteeing freedoms irrespective of gender, belief, identity, ethnicity, or background.
She stressed Pakistan’s responsibility to counter intolerance and hate speech under global frameworks such as the UN and UNESCO, adding that gender-based intolerance remains a daily challenge.
The ceremony concluded with the cake cutting by the prime minister flanked by ministers and members from the minorities and civil society.