PAKISTAN- KARACHI: 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 Multi faith 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 Commission for 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 religions. 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 Religious Freedom 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. 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),
Allama Imam Ahsan Siddiqui, Chairman of Interfaith Council for Peace and Harmony (ICPH) moderated the conference. Addressing the guests he said that the ICPH, with the support of Ulema-o-Mashaikh, had been playing an effective role to keep a check on the misuse of blasphemy law, therefore, on account of hearsay, any objections on violation of religious freedom in Pakistan should not be made. He further added that all the religious parties have agreed that forceful conversions could not be made and all such incidents are being seen on case to case. He further explained that the Ulemas had been playing an effective role to restrain underage marriages and coordination is being made in this regard between the representatives of different religions, sects and the government. He further added that the minorities, living in Pakistan, have all the rights as defined in the Constitution of the country and any organization, and individual could not force the minorities to change their religions. He suggested that government must expedite the process of legislation for the Minorities and must make sure the proper implementation of the law. Allama Ahsan Siddiqui Said e further added that Women and Minorities are amongst the most vulnerable sections of society and thus require special safeguards to ensure their rights are protected. In the campaign the notables of all religions including Sikhs, Hindus, others and Ulema, religious scholars belonging to all school of thoughts would persuade respecting the sacred personalities of all religions and faith of followers of all sects and disseminate the message that we must not insult the beliefs and faiths of other religions.
Ambassador Allama Ahsan Siddiqui Chairman shared his views that morality and human rights are an essential component of every religion and today’s conference would spread the message of unity, harmony and peace. He said that Pakistan government had taken many steps for creating interfaith harmony and such Religious Freedom conferences promote patience, kindness, forgiveness and tolerance among masses in a positive manner.
His Eminence, Cardinal Joseph Coutts Pakistani prelate of the Catholic Church, and key note speaker of the event decorated the event with these words “we are very lucky to get the opportunity for disseminating love and peace. We observe the principles of mutual respect, we can avoid hurting people”. The leaders of different beliefs and scholars should pay visits to places of worship of other beliefs to further promote social, cultural, and inter-faith harmony.
Anila Ali President of American Muslim and Multi faith Women’s Empowerment Council said that it is not just the responsibility of religious leaders but all actors of the civil society have to be involved. In the past, She added, there have been incidents of religious hatred been incited by politicians for electoral gains. Exhorting the need of nurturing a culture of accountability both nationally and internationally, the president said that criminal justice is necessary for bringing the people promoting religious hatred to the task. “Impunity for committing hate crimes should be demolished,”
While addressing the audience, Seasoned Educationist and Provincial head of PMTA and PCCI Seem abasif, appreciated the efforts of the government for taking a rights-based approach to protect the rights of minorities guaranteed by the Constitution. However, she expressed her concerns over rejection of the Minorities Protection Bill in the assembly and in reference with the European Union resolution regarding Minorities in Pakistan she said that if due protection and rights would be given to the Minorities in Pakistan then there will be no need for such resolutions to be passed in any country for the Rights of Pakistani Minorities.
Bindya Rana, activist from the Transgender community shared insights into the Trans community of Pakistan. Anila Ali, expressed her organizations support for the Trans community, “Your ICPH and AMMWEC brother & sisters are with you.” Senator Krishna Kumari, Hindu MPA urged the audience to support them in advocating for minorities and pursue justice for them.
At the end of the event a declaration and pledge was signed by all the religious scholars, civil society members and all the attendees of the event as a commitment that they will be the active agents to promote interfaith harmony, love and respect among practitioners of various religious beliefs for the peaceful co-existence of mankind. It is evident that Interfaith Harmony and religious freedom are the way forward to Global peace and prosperity.
Names of the prominent participants:
- His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Roman Catholic Church
- Byram D. Avari (Chairman) Avari Group of Companies
- AmamAllama Muhammad Ahsan Siddiqui , Ambassador at Large for Global Peace & Human Rights , Chairman, Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH)
- Syed Nasir Husain Shah – Minister Sindh, Religious Affairs, Information and Local Govt.
- Archbishop Benny Travas – Archdiocese of Karachi
- Senator Krishna Kumari Kohli(Pakistan People’s Party)
- Bindya Rana – Pakistan Tran Activist Founder & President of Gender Interactive Alliance
- Sardar Ramesh Singh Khalsa, Patron in Chief, Pakistan Sikh Council
- Chela Ram Kelwani – Chairman National Commission for Minorities, Government of Pakistan
- Miftah Ismail, Pakistan Muslim League N- Former Federal Minister of Finance for Pakistan
- Shahzadi Rai – Trans Activist – Gender Interactive Alliance
- Dr. Aftab Imam – Rotary International Governor – Sindh & Baluchistan
- Khuda Baksh CEO Pioneer Group and Board of Director MWALI Group
- Atiq Raja, Chairman, Pak Youth Council International & Kashmir Cause Committee
- Faisal Zahid Malik – Editor in Chief Pakistan Observer
- Samina Qasim- Educator and Social Media Activist
- Shri Ram Nath Mishra Maharaj, Gadi Nasheen, Shri Punch Mukhi Hanuman Mandir Karachi.
- Dr, Farhad Al Mashriqi – Baha’i Faith
- Syed Turab Shah Chairman theazb.com / AZB Global Trade & Exhibition
- Samir Mir Shaikh, Senior Leader (Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf-PTI)
- Aman Pir – Justice of Peace, Government of Sindh
- Zeeshan Altaf Loya Chairman – America Pakistan Business Development Forum
- Prof. Seemab Asif Interfaith Activist – Saint Joseph College
- Allama Ali Karar Naqvi, Member Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Pakistan
- Kelash Kumar Sarhadi Ambassador of Peace
- Kahid Amin, Vice Canceller Indus University Karachi
- Muammad Saleem (Red Crescent)
- Ross Mahtani (Sindh Human Rights Commission)
- Shabber Ahmed Gohri – Resident Editor Urdu Link America
- Mubbasir Mir Resident Editor Daily Pakistan Karachi
- Anila Ali – President /AMMWEC
- Kaukab Iqbal Chairman Consumers Association of Pakistan
- Tushna Patel – Parsi Community, Karachi
- Kanwal Abdi, White House Correspondent at Daily THE AZB
- Bishop Kaleem John- Deputy Moderator Church of Pakistan
