Federal Minister Bhatti: “Interfaith dialogue fundamental for peace” at FIRD Secretariat

Federal Minister Dr. Paul Bhatti visited Forum for International Relations Development (FIRD) Secretariat as part of the interfaith dialogue initiative being driven by FIRD to better relations between various faiths, both nationally and internationally. The meeting comes after FIRD Chairman Toaha Qureshi MBE was invited to speak at the International Interfaith and Intercultural Conference (Islamabad, Pakistan) by the Ministry for National Harmony. Minister Bhatti was briefed by Chairman Toaha Qureshi MBE on the drives that have been implemented; including the counter terrorism and deradicalisation drive as well as the educational programmes, to tackle the issues plaguing Asian societies throughout UK and Europe.

According to Minister Bhatti, people have been misusing religion and interpreting the meaning incorrectly which has resulted in misunderstandings between faith groups, causing friction and animosity. Since most religions promote humanity and highlight human values, there was a chance to come together and fight off these terrorist groups who wish to hide behind the veil of religion. He went on to say that one of the problems of intolerance was the lack of education in countries and so to combat this, a sequence of interfaith harmony committees are to be initiated to get the message out to the masses. These committees will be at the federal, provincial, district and junior level. People of all faiths are intended to be involved to take on any issues highlighted. Mr Qureshi added “Minorities need to feel they are part of the mainstream society, valued and can contribute to society”, ringing true for Pakistan after recent on goings in areas such as Quetta and Karachi, Minister Bhatti mentioned his planned National Minorities Day which would be marked on August 11.

During the discussions that followed, Minister Bhatti stated that interfaith dialogue is necessary for peace to cement itself in our societies and people need to be educated. Speaking on the recent secretarian issue of the Quetta incident, Bhatti expressed his deepest regrets while commenting on the mindsets of the people carrying out such acts. It is anti-human, anti-religion and anti-Pakistan – we have to stand against this and we reject any kind of hatred towards anybody. Pakistan is a multi-faith nation so we condemn and stand against any discrimination. Mr Qureshi commented saying UK and Europe have faced issues like this in the past, referring to Ireland and Germany, but have come through these problems through continued dialogue and demands for peace – Pakistan will get through this issue by understanding and interchange.

He went on to say “Projects have been carried out to counter radicalization and extremism with partners such as London Probation, Metropolitan Police, Home Office, educational institutions, charities, NGOs etc. Now is the time to mirror these projects in Pakistan and reap the fruits there – speaking at various conferences, I have highlighted these issues and I am pleased to say that Pakistan is taking interest in this”. “Countries such as Spain and Holland have looked at the programmes we have run and taken them back to trial there” he added.

A focal point of the ministry in terms of equality has been women’s rights and fighting for their equality. The meeting drew upon the recent cases of attacks on women; Minister Bhatti showed sympathy for those who had been attacked but stressed the fact that there is a growing change in Pakistan and the laws are being passed to ensure that women have safety. Those that attack are doing so because women are standing up and taking their place in society. Mr Qureshi added that support had been given through a number of schemes such as funds set aside for women (in particular to pay for their education) that were breaking barriers and giving them access to a lot more than they would have. The point that mindsets have been changing over time was stressed as Pakistan is seeing that female ministers, MNAs, MPAs etc. are being voted in by the public but we do need more.

The prospects remain bright for Pakistan if peace can be achieved, the amount of resources and talent available there can mold a prosperous outcome, as Bhatti suggests that Pakistan may be a world leader or a trend-setter at the least in the near future.

FIRD was commended by Minister Bhatti for their recent Future of Pakistan Conference held in June and was impressed by the efforts of the Chairman Toaha Qureshi MBE stating he had been impressed by efforts made to reduce intolerance and combat extremism; contributing to society education that will cure society. Federal Minister Bhatti, on behalf of the Ministry of National Harmony, was guaranteed scholarships for ethnic minorities in a bid to support them to study in the UK to give them better chances in the future. Minister Bhatti conveyed his thanks to Mr Qureshi saying he was “deeply touched and pleased with such a gracious offer” and promised that the scholarships would be put to use effectively, going to those that deserved it the most. Education is the key to developing and evolving a society marred with such issues – this will go a long way.