US Ambassador to Pakistan, Cameron Munter held a meeting with Ulema at National Museum of Pakistan, here on Tuesday, to seek their advice and support for creating better understanding between the United States and religious scholars and seminaries (Madarasahs) in Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Munter said that there are misconceptions in the US about religious scholars and Madarasahs and the same is the situation of Americans in Pakistan. "The misconceptions need to be removed as Pakistan and the US enjoy long term strategic partnership," he added.
"We have a long term commitment to Pakistan and we want to empower people so that both Americans and Pakistanis can understand one another", he remarked. He underlined the need for exchange of visits between the spiritual leaders, scholars, civic leaders and young generation of both the US and Pakistan to promote better understanding and remove misperceptions about one another.
The US envoy said that he is holding meetings with Ulema and visiting seminaries (Madarasahs) to get first hand knowledge about Islam and its teachings and suggestions how to remove misunderstanding. He appreciated the Ulema for meeting him and said that they are preaching harmony and brotherhood. "The United States is also striving for the similar goal so that people of various beliefs can live with peace and happiness".
He announced that the doors of US Consulate in Karachi are open for Ulema who might submit suggestions for improving US-Pakistan relations. He was of the opinion that exchange of people is the best way to remove misunderstandings. These exchanges could create a new atmosphere of co-operation and tolerance.
Earlier, Ulema advised the US envoy to play his role in removing misunderstanding between his country and religious scholars and seminaries as soon as possible and serve as a bridge in this regard. They said that Islam is a religion of peace and is spreading the message of love and brotherhood in the world. "We believe that all religions give a message of love", they said.
The Ulema also advised the ambassador to establish a desk at US embassy for moderate religious scholars and seminaries. They stressed that the US has more responsibilities than other countries to look after the neglected people. The delegation included Maulana Saeed Khan of Jamia Binoria, Masood Baig of Jamia Binoria Al-Alamia, SITE, Hafiz Abu Hurera and Mufti Abuzar of Jamia Islamia Clifton and Dr Rathore. Wife of US Ambassador Dr Marilyn Wyatt, US Consul General William Martin, Information Officer Andie De Arment also attended the meeting.
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