Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf Thursday urged Ulema and representatives of minorities to evolve consensus on promoting forbearance in the society as tolerance is key for ensuring peace.
Addressing a National Conference titled “Why Dialogue between Various Sects and Religions Is Essential”, the religious minister said such conferences help understand view point of various segments of society besides promoting tolerance in the society.
The conference was organised by Pakistan Ulema Council in collaboration with Ilem-o-Aman Foundation.
The minister said the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has already devised a 13-point code of ethics. Efforts are being underway to implement it with the help of Ulema, he added. He said Government considered constituting an Ulema Council with the mandate to promote interfaith harmony and implement the code of ethics in the country. He said Government wanted to promote forbearance, tolerance in the society for enduring peace. He said minorities were enjoying religious freedom in the country. Special quota and dedicated seats have been reserved for them in the Parliament, he added.
He said Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan declares citizens of the country (not only Muslims) are equal, and enjoy religious freedom. Government was committed to protecting their freedom at any cost, he added.
About reports of forced conversion in Sindh, he said it was strictly prohibited in Islam as well as in Constitution of the country. He said the government of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz) was trying utmost to ensure peace in the country. An All Parties Conference was convened for evolving consensus to hold talks with Taliban, he added. He said Ulema of various schools of thoughts were also consulted before initiating negotiations with Taliban.
Later talking to media, he said the government was trying to reduce per person Government Scheme Hajj package to Rs 250,000 from Rs 272,000. The accommodations for 54,000 intending pilgrims have so far been hired in Saudi Arabia, he added.