Speakers at an event stressed upon the need of collective efforts by media and civil society to promote tolerance in Pakistan. These views were expressed at the launch of 'Tolerant Pakistan' campaign organised by Positive Media Communication (PMC) at local hotel here. The aim of this campaign is to promote tolerance and create a progressive Pakistan.
Speakers were Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Stefano Pontecorvo, general secretary, All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS) Syed Sarmad Ali, former foreign secretary Najmuddin Sheikh, broadcast journalist Najia Ashar and Dr Tabbasum Khan, who was the moderator of the discussion.
Stefano said that general intolerance was the major concern in Europe, which was another aspect of Islamophobia; adding that Islamophobia was not the major issue for them.
He said that the roots of Islamophobia were being exploited politically and economically; urging the Islamic world to do more and help European countries to root it out from their society.
He said that Islamophobia was a matter of perception as Islam is a religion of tolerance and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught the lesson of tolerance; adding that Islamic world and others should work as global community to promote tolerance in the world.
Furthermore, Italian Ambassador said that European countries had no exposure to other countries hence there was a need of opening the channels of communication to understand more about each other.
Najmuddin Sheikh quoted Quaid-e-Azam that religion and state were separate and all religions had freedom to live and pay their religious obligations with impunity; adding that Pakistan was striving to return to that point where no space was left for extremism.
Meanwhile, Syed Sarmad Ali said that Islamophobia and intolerance were increasing in the society, due to poverty and less livelihood opportunities; adding that Pakistan had liberal society in 60s and at that time, there was no ethnic and sectarian division but in 80s the society turned conservative.
He said that poverty, illiteracy and limited economy resources had caused wiping out basic tolerance and making ground for intolerant society.
Furthermore, he said that media was blamed across the globe to spread hatred in the society but in Pakistan, it was sensing its responsibility and taking small steps to change the minds of the masses.
General Secretary APNS said that in past, people feared of talking about blasphemy laws but now they are realising the issues because of media; adding that Pakistan is now moving toward tolerant society.
Najia said that public issues have been unable to attain much attention in mainstream media due to other core issues in past, they are now being highlighted through citizen journalism and now social media is influencing mainstream media, which she believed was a positive sign that may create healthy change in the society.
A large number of people from different walks of life attended the event.
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