Renowned scholars and senior academics attending a one-day workshop on “Role of universities in Promotion of Inter-religious Harmony” at Hafiz Hayat Campus of the University of Gujrat (UoG) the other day urged the students to step up efforts for building a tolerant, peaceful society through promotion of interfaith harmony.
The workshop was organised by Islamic Studies department of the University of Gujrat (UoG) in collaboration with Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) and Paigham-e-Pakistan Centre for Peace, Reconciliation and Reconstruction Studies, the Islamic Research Institute (IRI) of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI).
Director-General Islamic Research Institute Prof. Dr Muhammad Ziaul Haq was the chief guest.
Chairperson Islamic Studies department NUML Islamabad Prof Dr Syed Abdul Ghaffar Bukhari, Prof. Dr Zia ur Rehamn of Islamia University Bahawalpur, Dr Sajid Asadullah, Chairperson Islamic Studies department of the UoG Prof. Dr Arshad Munir Leghari, Chairperson Geography department Dr Muhammad Mushahid Anwar were among the guests of honour. The proceedings were moderated by Dr Muhammad Riaz, a senior academic of the UoG.
The main objective of the workshop was to encourage the youth, whatever religion or faith they follow, to work for promotion of best human practices for cohesion and peaceful co-existence.
“Working towards interfaith harmony is the tradition of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) because humanity is all about love, brotherhood and compassion. The primary objective of Paigham-e-Pakistan is bringing about a social and societal renaissance by practising moderation on all fronts,” Dr Ziaul Haq said.
Dr Zia further said, “Pakistan is one of the most egalitarian societies where all the minorities enjoy equal rights. Minorities’ welfare and protection of their life and property is an inevitable part of teachings of Islam.”
Dr Zia urged the students to join the youth wing of Paigham-e-Pakistan for the promotion of interfaith harmony to achieve sustainable peace and co-existence.
Dr Syed Abdul Ghaffar Bukhari said, “As Muslim and Pakistani our national responsibility is to promote and practise best human values,” adding Paigham-e-Pakistan is the most reliable narrative and carries all what it takes to establish a peaceful society.
Dr Ziaur Rehman underlined that the universal message of Islam is love of humanity. “Showing respect and reverence for the followers of different religions, their values and traditions is all what is known as religious harmony,” Dr Ziaur Rehman said.
Dr Arshad Munir said Islam promotes moderation through love, peace and compassion.
Dr Riaz highlighted the various causes of sectarianism and the suggested measures to curb the menace. He said permanent peace and stability is linked with promotion of interfaith harmony. Dr Mushahid Anwar lauded Paigham-e-Pakistan efforts and said they will go a long way in helping us achieve harmony and cohesion in our society.
