Islam teaches us tolerance, humility, and humbleness and we can establish peace and harmony in our personal lives, society and the world by following the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), scholars and speakers at the concluding Interfaith Commission for Peace and Harmony (ICPH), organized an International Religious Freedom and Interfaith Harmony Conference 2021 with the collaboration of American Muslim and Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, at Avari Hotel, Karachi on 5th July 2021. Religious scholars from various beliefs such as the representatives of Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Paarsi and Bihaai communities, social activists, diplomats of various countries and people from different walks of life participated in the conference. Number of International dignitaries joined the event virtually and shared their views on this important and sensitive topic which is the foundation to bring peace in the world. The program was officially started with the readings from the Holy books of all the different faiths to give them equal respect and love.
Speaking on the occasion Senior Minister Mr. Nasir Hussain Shah said, Ending extremism, terrorism and sectarian violence requires dialogue between people of different groups and to achieve this goal the government will hold training sessions for Imams, Preachers, Teachers as per modern requirements and standards of society,”
The Consul General, Honorable Rob Silberstein, praised of the efforts Allama Imam Ahsan Siddiqui, Chairman of Interfaith Commissionfor Peace and Harmony (ICPH) and President AMMWEC Anila Ali in being a unifying force and exemplifying the best of American and Muslim values. Consul General US, virtually joined the event and said that Inter-Faith Harmony is an important idea in a multi-religion society. There should be well managed arrangements for religious co-existence in all parts of the globe. He said I would like to emphasize that the United States is deeply committed to promoting and protecting universal freedom of religion. The ability to practice one’s faith freely goes to the heart of what it means to be human. It is a key element of an open and stable society and forms the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy. Where the freedom of religion is promoted, economic opportunity grows, security increases, and people flourish.
The United States is partnering to protect minority rights as a bulwark against increased religious intolerance. Pakistan has made progress with laws to protect transgender persons and restrict child marriage and trafficking in persons, however, they need to be put into action. We have provided millions of dollars to support training programs for law enforcement, the judiciary, and the legal community to build awareness about the laws that protects minority rights. And we will continue to urge the Pakistani government to do more to implement the Supreme Court’s 2014 judgment to protect minority rights and ensure every citizen, regardless of their religion, enjoys the full protection of the state. Again said I am proud of our support for the rehabilitation of the Varun Dev Temple here in Sindh on Manora Island. This sacred place highlights Pakistan’s cultural and religious diversity, the role of minorities in society, and the importance of preserving this heritage. For as long as anyone can remember, Manora Island has played host to a diverse range of religious communities, living together in harmony. We also recognize the importance of connecting Pakistanis and Americans, both in-person and virtually. Several of you here today have participated in our international exchange programs that build networks and share best practices that strengthen human rights in our countries and around the globe.
It is the reason in which the thought of Inter-Faith Harmony has achieved an immense significance in the background of societal, religious and financial state of the affairs of Pakistan. Many global actions those have occurred in previous years, have bound the religious leaders to look for new ways and tools to support Inter-Faith Harmony. He commended the faith leaders, civil society and all political parties for upholding the values of religious freedom, inclusion, and diversity.
The Consul General of UAE Karachi His Excellency Bakheet Ateeq al Remeithi also graced the occasion and appreciated the interfaith harmony created by all those that were present. The UAE has become the epitome of peace and tolerance where religious freedom and peaceful coexistence is at par, He said Abrahamic House a strong message of tolerance from UAE. Prophet Abraham is a revered prophet in Islam, Judaism and Christianity. The unique religious landmark symbolises the state of peaceful coexistence and human fraternity experienced by all communities living in the UAE, regardless of their nationalities, beliefs and religions.Prophet Abraham is not only revered in Islam but he is also prayed by masses in Judaism and Christianity. The new landmark will symbolise the state of coexistence and human fraternity experienced by people from various ethnicities, nationalities and beliefs in the UAE. UAE promotes safe and peaceful coexistence for those living in the emirates, He praised of the efforts Global peace & Human Rights and Interfaith Harmony Allama Imam Ahsan Siddiqui, Chairman of Interfaith Commission For Peace and Harmony (ICPH),
