Religious leaders from different schools of thought at a peace conference have stressed the need for mutual respect, inter-faith harmony and unity among all religions to promote sustainable peace. The conference on titled: 'Youm-e-Ashura' was organised by Pak Council for World Religions (Faith Friends) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter at Peshawar Press Club on Wednesday.
Notable speakers include the council chairman, Qari Rohullah Madani, central leader, Maulana Masood Salfi, Professor Dr Hafiz Abdul Ghafoor, Rev Pastor Joseph John, Christian women wing leader, Rena Petrick, Salma Malik, Charanjeet Singh, Mualana, Mufti Jamil Abid and others. Besides, religious scholars, representatives of Sikh, Hindu, Christian community, social activists, and people from different walk of life also participated in the conference.
Qari Rohullah Madani in his opening remarks highlighted the supreme sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companion in Karbla. He stressed the need for bringing changes in behavior to promote 'inter-faith harmony' and everlasting calm.
He said it was right of everyone to express different opinions, but its manifestation should not be against moral value and disrespectful for any religion. He said the peace is a global issue, which would restore with unified efforts.
Hafiz Abdul Ghafoor said that the unprecedented security measures during 10-days of the Muharram would create hurdles to pay homage to supreme sacrifices of martyrs of Karbala. He demanded for removal of obstacle to commemorate the Ashura with full reverence.
Pastor Joseph said that there was no restriction to perform religion obligations as per constitution of the country. He emphasized that it was dire need of hour to promote inter-faith harmony and unity among all religions to make the country a cradle of peace.
He called for respect for each other religions and support people, beyond their affiliation with any creed, sect, and colour to establish durable peace in the entire region. He said the presence of people belonging from different believes in the event, was evident that they are united and would joint hand for promote tolerance, peace, and affection among them.
Salma Malik highlighted that the supreme sacrifices of martyrs of Karbala was gave a message of peace, brotherhood and inter-faith harmony. She said Islam a religion of peace, in which women gave due status and respect. She urged the women to come forward to play their due proactive role for promotion of peace, and stability. She also appealed the people belonging from all religions to avoid their differences to make collective efforts for restoration of everlasting peace in the country. Charanjeet Singh said it is unfortunate that intolerance among people of different religions was very high. He praised the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon) is role model for entire world, while the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam (AS) along with all companions, gave a message of peace, unity and brotherhood. He hoped that the peace will soon restore in the country, so it would ensure people from different believes to perform their religion obligation fearlessly.
A leader from Shia community urged the people from different religions and sects to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions at Karbala with full reverence. He added that the tolerance among their ranks should be promoted for peaceful coexistence in the region. He said the Muharram committee in support with law enforcement agencies and district authorities, had taken steps to void any untoward incident during 10-days
A member of Hindu community and Mufti Jamil Abid also spoke on the occasion and stressed the need for promoting inter-faith harmony among all religions. Later, the council central leader, Maulana Salfi thanked the speakers and participants for actively attending the conference. He emphasised the need for strictly following the code of conduct during the 10-days of Muharram and to ensure respecting each other religions during this holy month.
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