Pakistan reaffirms commitment to interfaith harmony and minority rights

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting interfaith harmony, religious tolerance and the protection of minority rights during a meeting with Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad and internationally renowned preacher and interfaith scholar Dr Leif Hetland.

The meeting focused on strengthening interfaith dialogue, fostering mutual respect and promoting peaceful coexistence at both national and international levels.

Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said the Government of Pakistan remains fully committed to advancing interfaith harmony and ensuring equal rights for all citizens regardless of their religion or beliefs.

He said the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees religious freedom and equal rights to every citizen, stressing the need for collective efforts to spread the message of peace, tolerance and mutual respect throughout society.

The minister said the Ministry of Religious Affairs had reactivated Interfaith Harmony Committees at the national, provincial and district levels to bring together religious leaders from different faiths on a common platform.

He highlighted several government initiatives, including official celebrations of religious festivals of minority communities, protection and restoration of places of worship, special scholarships for minority students and the promotion of the “Paigham-e-Pakistan” national narrative to counter hate speech and sectarianism.

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Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad said the teachings of Islam are founded on peace, security and compassion for humanity, adding that religious scholars have a moral and national responsibility to eliminate extremism and hatred while strengthening understanding among followers of different faiths.

Dr Leif Hetland praised Pakistan’s efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and said constructive engagement, mutual respect and unconditional love are essential for achieving peaceful coexistence around the world.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to organise joint programmes and capacity-building workshops aimed at further promoting interfaith harmony, tolerance and cooperation.