PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said tolerance, respect, love and warmth are imperative for mutual coexistence, peace and interfaith harmony in society.

He was addressing a conference on interfaith harmony held at the Governor’s House here on Wednesday.

It was chaired by Mr Kundi and Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain.

All Pakistan Hindu Rights Community representative Haroon Sarbdyal, Baha’i community member Fawad Akhtari, Wafaqul Madaris representative Umair Abdul Aziz Nooristani, Khateeb Mohabat Khan Masjid Maulana Mohammad Tayab Qureshi, Prof Sara Safdar of Minority Commission, former MPA Wazirzada of Kalash community, political and social activists were in attendance.

Congratulating the ministry of religious affairs for holding the successful conference on such an important topic, the governor said presence of representatives of different schools of thought strongly reflected their love, warmth and affection for each other.

“The initiative signifies that we all are united for establishment of peace and development of Pakistan, and that brotherhood, coexistence and strong social connections can guarantee our collective success,” Mr Kundi said.

The governor said the province was confronted with the monster of terrorism, and there was a great need of unity to frustrate the nefarious designs of terrorists. He said progress and development of all sectors, including tourism, were linked with durable peace.

Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain said people of all schools of thought and minorities enjoyed complete religious freedom in Pakistan. He said minorities played significant role in development and prosperity of Pakistan.

The federal minister said promotion of interfaith harmony was imperative for durable peace and mutual coexistence. He stressed the need for understanding, respect and collaboration between different religious groups for creating a stable and inclusive society.

“Encouraging dialogue and cooperation, dismantling religious prejudices and fostering an environment where individuals can live together peacefully despite their differences is need of the hour,” he stressed.

Published in Dawn, December 12th, 2024