Bahawalpur—Scholars and experts at a consultation emphasized the role of imams and religious leaders in promoting the concepts of ‘respect for humanity’ and inclusivity at the grassroots level to foster social cohesion and peace in society.
They said that political intolerance was also contributing to growing extremism, which should be tackled and the state must play its role in ensuring a peaceful society.
These views were expressed at a discussion, “Building Bridges: A Stakeholder Consultation on Tolerance and Inclusivity,” organized by the Islamabad-based Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB).
Academics, religious scholars, journalists, members of minority communities and civil society representatives took part in the dialogue. It brought together key stakeholders to identify challenges related to religious intolerance and discrimination, share best practices for fostering social harmony and interfaith dialogue, and develop collaborative strategies to build a more inclusive society.
Prof Zia ur Rehman, chairman of the Department of Qur’ānic Studies at the IUB, opening the debate said that extremism was not acceptable in any form and any sphere. “We must give space to others to ensure pluralism in society,” he added.
Department of Hadith Chairman Dr. Ghulam Haider Maghrana underlined that no one should be allowed to misuse the anti-blasphemy law, noting that the judiciary should provide impartial and speedy justice in blasphemy cases. “The government should revisit and form a new policy to end growing extremism in society and implement the same in letter and spirit,” he said.
Department of Fiqh and Shariah Chairman Dr. Muhammad Saeed Sheikh said they should promote commonalities among people belonging to different sects and beliefs. “There is a need for counseling of those who promote hate,” he said.
Mufti Muhammad Mazhar Shah Asadi, principal of the Jamia Asad bin Zurarah, called for changing attitudes to promote tolerance and peace in society.
Mubeen Sheraz, a representative of the Ba’hai community, urged the need for revising the curriculum to include lessons on sharing, tolerance and pluralism. Reverend Munawar Shahzad Umar of Bahawalpur’s Calvary Baptist Church said the people living in Pakistan must understand that every religion of this world promoted peace, not hatred.
Dr. Shakil Akhtar, chairman of the Department of Political Science at the IUB, referring to Article 19 of the Constitution said that it ensured freedom of expression with around seven different conditionalities. He demanded that the definitions of these “restrictions should be clear” and their application must be equal for all citizens, underlining that these constraints don’t meet both conditions at present. The other concern, he said, is that concepts of “morality and decency have stopped the way of questioning, which is a hurdle to promoting inclusion and tolerance.”
Department of World Religions and Interfaith Harmony Chairperson Dr. Sajila Kausar said the role of imams (prayer leaders) and community leaders was very important in promoting the concepts of ‘respect for humanity’ and inclusivity at the grassroots level. “It is only dialogue among different communities that can end communication gaps and misconceptions,” she added.
Mufti Muhammad Kashif, nazim of the Tanzeem-ul-Madaris Ahl-e-Sunnat South Punjab, said growing political intolerance was also a form of extremism, which should be addressed to ensure pluralism in society.
PIPS President Muhammad Amir Rana said that scholarship and knowledge-based information were essential for initiating a meaningful dialogue, and that it was necessary to examine whether institutions such as madrassahs and universities were adequately cultivating this scholarship. He stressed that the society itself should take the initiative, rather than looking towards the state.