Religious scholars and politicians have agreed to bar all citizens from declaring followers of any sect as kafir (nonbelievers). They also agreed to grant fundamental human rights to the followers of any religion or sect. This agreement comes in as a new push for sectarian harmony in Pakistan.
The World Council of Religions (WCR) organised a Provincial Interfaith Peace Conference in Lahore on Thursday, to promote harmony and brotherhood among different religions and Muslim sects.
The event was attended by parliamentarians from all political parties, religious scholars, intellectuals, and others who unanimously agreed upon a course of action to promote harmony in the country. They emphasised that it was the prime duty of all religious scholars to work diligently for creating harmony in the country.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s MNA Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani said, “We stand by the WCR in its struggle to promote sectarian harmony.” He urged all sects to struggle for developing an environment of love and tolerance, adding that the role of scholars is imperative for attaining harmony.
Calling for the death sentence over the misuse of blasphemy law, the MNA said that an effective legislation is needed to avoid incidents like that of Mashal Khan’s lynching, in future.
MPA Uzma Bukhari, on the occasion, said that the conference is of importance because it intends to inspire unity in the country. Extending government support to WCR, she said that such conferences should be held all over the country.
WCR Executive Director Hafiz Muhammad Nauman Hamid, while highlighting the working of the organisation, said that the council was playing a key role in promoting peace and love.
Hafiz Muhammad Noman, Abdul Khabeer Azad, Liaqat Baloch, Pir Mehfooz Shah Mashadi, Hafiz Kazim Raza Naqvi, Sarfraz Awan, Dr Shahida Parveen, Shabnam Nagi, Pir Shafat Rasool, Syed Mufti Ashiq Hussain, Muhammad Khan Laghari, Allama Syed Ziaullah Shah Bukhari, Dr Abdul Ghafoor Arshad, Asim Makhdoom, Syed Touqeer Abbas Naqvi, Allama Muhammad Hussain, Parliamentary Secretary Chaudhary Amjad Ali Javed, and others addressed the conference as well.