Protecting the rights of minorities is a shared responsibility of the state and society
Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri has taken a clear stand against extremism and religious violence
Religious tolerance must become an integral part of our national character: Director MQI Interfaith Relations,
Director of Interfaith Relations at Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Sohail Ahmed Raza, said on the occasion of National Minorities Day that all religious communities living in Pakistan are equal citizens of the country and that their contributions to the nation’s development and prosperity are highly valuable.
He said protecting the lives, property, dignity, places of worship, and religious freedom of minorities is a shared responsibility of both the state and society.
He said Sheikh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has made an extraordinary contribution toward highlighting Islam’s true message of peace, love, tolerance, harmony, and human equality, while also promoting interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence. Under his intellectual guidance, Minhaj-ul-Quran has likewise made religious tolerance an integral part of its religious and social efforts.
Sohail Ahmed Raza said that Sheikh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has taken a clear and unequivocal stand against terrorism, extremism, and religious violence. He has urged the younger generation to reject hatred and extremism and instead pursue the path of knowledge, moderation, dialogue, and peace.
He said the vision of Pakistan presented by the country’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was also based on the principles of equal citizenship, religious freedom, and mutual respect.
He added that Pakistan’s various religious communities have made valuable contributions to the country’s progress in education, healthcare, defence, trade, industry, sports, and numerous other fields, and their services should be acknowledged and appreciated.
Sohail Ahmed Raza emphasized that religious tolerance should not be confined to a single day but must become a permanent part of the national character.
He said August 11 provides an opportunity to renew our commitment to advancing Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of Pakistan in practice, strengthening religious harmony, and promoting love, respect, tolerance, and peace instead of hatred and prejudice.
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