Minister says intolerance is key to hatred

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Provincial Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Khalil Tahir Sandhu has said that intolerance has damaged Pakistan’s social, political and democratic fabric. Only tolerance, he added, respect for others and equal rights to all citizens can defeat religious, sectarian, linguistic and other prejudices prevailing in the society.

He said that the current government has taken effective measures on both federal and provincial level to ensure basic human rights and to eliminate discriminatory attitude towards minorities.

Khalil Tahir Sandhu expressed these views while addressing a function held at Al Hamra Hall in connection with the speech competition among the universities and colleges of Lahore on the topic of “intolerance has damaged the society”. The audience at the function was also addressed by Senator and Federal Minister for Human Rights Kamran Michael.

The students of Punjab College, Garrison University and Lahore College for Women University won first, second and third positions respectively in the declamation contest. Federal and Provincial ministers presented the prizes to the winners.

Khalil Tahir Sandhu said in his speech that a major hindrance to the promotion of mutual respect among the human beings is the expression of intolerance and prejudice. He said that it is very sad that those who conduct such rash behaviour bring the logic to justify their actions from faith. However, everyone knows that no religion teaches hate. He said that Punjab government has established a high-level task force to safeguard human rights in the society. He said that the government has developed a system of punishment and reward through effective legislation in order to tame hatred. He said that there is no honour in killing others in the name of honour as no religion allows it.

Federal Minister for Human Rights Kamran Michael said in his address that religious tolerance, brotherhood and mutual respect are being inculcated among the new generation and soon the young students would grow into responsible citizens who would respect human rights in letter and spirit. He said that students are the future of Pakistan and if they could be successfully convinced to respect each other then it would be safe to say that the future of human rights in the country would be bright. He said that safeguarding human rights is the collective responsibility of both the government and the society. He was of the view that love and respect are the real virtues of life.