Ahsan Iqbal underlines interconnection of religions, peace, and development
\n ISLAMABAD
\nThere is an inseparable link between the role of religions and peace and development, as no society can flourish without the foundations of harmony, justice, and mutual respect.
\nThis connection has global significance, with particular relevancy for Pakistan, as collective efforts are essential to bridge divides, foster inclusivity, and pave the way for sustainable development and equitable growth.
\nThese views were shared by Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives while speaking as chief guest at the inaugural session of an international seminar, \u201cThe Role of Religions in Fostering Peace, Harmony, and Justice,\u201d organized by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, on Wednesday.
\nThe seminar was addressed as keynote speaker by Dr Tamara Sonn, professor emerita, Georgetown University, Washington D.C., while Prof Khurshid Ahmad, founder and patron-in-chief of IPS, Khalid Rahman, chairman IPS, and Khurshid Ahmad Nadeem, chairman National Rahmatul-Lil-Aalameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority, also spoke on the occasion.
\nThe day-long event gathered international and local speakers, scholars, religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society to discuss religion\u2019s transformative role in tackling humanity\u2019s key challenges.
\nThe seminar was held in collaboration with Allama Iqbal Open University, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, University of Management & Technology, Lahore, Gift University, Gujranwala, The Islamic Foundation, UK, and Markfield Institute of Higher Education, UK.
\nAhsan Iqbal highlighted the enduring wisdom of faith traditions, emphasizing their universal principles of human dignity, non-violence, and compassion.
\nDrawing on teachings from Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, he noted that these shared values underpin harmonious and progressive societies.
\nHowever, he expressed concern over rising intolerance and hate, which fuel extremism and hinder harmony and inclusivity. He underscored the importance of fostering a narrative rooted in tolerance.
\nProf Khurshid Ahmad emphasized religion\u2019s role in addressing spiritual needs, calling it a fundamental necessity throughout history. He warned that modern civilization\u2019s departure from religion has led to injustice, oppression, and discord.
\nAs humanity grapples with materialism, nationalism, and neocolonialism, Prof Ahmad urged faith communities to foster harmony through moral appeal rather than coercion, offering ethical guidance to counter today\u2019s challenges. He described Islam\u2019s principles as fostering progress, justice, and harmony.
\nDr Tamara Sonn highlighted religion\u2019s paradoxical role in conflicts, noting its unparalleled potential to resolve disputes despite often being seen at their core. She warned against religious nationalism, calling it manipulative and destabilizing, and urged societies to embrace universal values of justice, humanity, and equality.
\nStressing the importance of values over identities, she remarked, \u201cIt is not the faith we are born into but the values we embody that define a person\u2019s merit.\u201d Dr Sonn advocated interfaith collaboration through a \u201cdialogue of action\u201d to address shared challenges.
\nKhurshid Nadeem underscored religion\u2019s enduring relevance, highlighting secularism\u2019s failure to provide a comprehensive moral framework. He stressed that religion remains essential to addressing fundamental human needs for meaning and guidance, especially in today\u2019s moral crises.
\nKhalid Rahman accentuated the decisive role of human behavior in shaping religion\u2019s influence, emphasizing that \u201creligions are not inherently divisive; their impact depends on how they are practiced and interpreted.\u201d He highlighted how religion is often misused to incite violence and exclusion, overshadowing its core values of compassion and justice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ahsan Iqbal underlines interconnection of religions, peace, and development ISLAMABAD There is an inseparable link between the role of religions and peace and development, as no society can flourish without the foundations of harmony, justice, and mutual respect. This connection has global significance, with particular relevancy for Pakistan, as collective efforts are essential to bridge […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":447358,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-447429","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n