Pakistan needs religious harmony, mutual tolerance, and unity above all, Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora.

Shehzada Alamgir, Bureau Chief, Dawn TV,Daily Dawn

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora has stated that today’s Pakistan requires religious harmony, mutual tolerance, and unity above all. It is the most pressing need of the hour to convey that followers of all religions are equal citizens of this country, and it is incumbent upon us all to respect their cultures, beliefs, and values. The provincial minister expressed these views while addressing an important consultative meeting held at the Human Rights Camp Office. The meeting aimed to formulate a concrete action plan to promote interfaith harmony and social cohesion.
The meeting was attended by Secretary of Human Rights Farid Ahmed Tarar, civil society, human rights representatives, religious leaders belonging to different religions and prominent social figures.
Ramesh Singh Arora said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, by calling minorities the “crown of the head”, has proven that she believes in practical solidarity and inclusion with minorities, not just words. He said that the participation and cooperation of the Punjab government on religious occasions including Diwali, Holi, Christmas and the birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji is a shining example of this spirit.
Secretary Human Rights Farid Ahmed Tarar said that his department is constantly active for the protection of the rights of minorities and their equal status. He called interfaith harmony a representative of the positive identity of Pakistan.
Javed William (Head of Faces Pakistan) said that his organization is committed to promoting social tolerance and religious harmony in collaboration with the Punjab government. He said that everyone has to respect each other’s beliefs while remaining within the ambit of law and constitution.
Reverend Dr. Majeed Abel stressed the importance of promoting interfaith activities at the educational institutions, media, religious platforms and community level, saying that these steps will promote social harmony and positive thinking.
At the end of the meeting, the participants unanimously expressed their determination to continue joint and serious efforts to promote religious harmony, mutual tolerance, national unity and brotherhood. At the end of the meeting, Syed Mufti Ashiq Hussain also offered a special prayer for the development, prosperity of Pakistan and peace around the world.
Those who attended the meeting included Mufti Ashiq Hussain, Professor Dr. Masood Mujahid, Allama Dr. Badar Munir Mujaddidi, Amarnath Randhawa, Syed Mudassar Hussain Shah, Syed Mahmood Ghaznavi, Muhammad Yousuf (Director Human Rights), Noor-ul-Saba (Spirit) and other prominent personalities.