Islamabad : President Asif Ali Zardari has said Pakistan is committed to promoting interfaith harmony at the national and international levels and to contributing constructively to global peace and understanding.
In a message for the World Interfaith Harmony Week (Feb 1-7), the president said he extended warm greetings to the people of Pakistan and to the international community on the occasion.
"This observance reminds us of the shared values of peace, compassion, mutual respect and coexistence that lie at the heart of all faiths and belief systems."
The president said Pakistan is a society enriched by religious, cultural and ethnic diversity.
He said the Constitution guaranteed freedom of religion and equal rights for all citizens, regardless of faith or creed.
"These principles reflect the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who emphasised tolerance, unity and harmony as the foundation of our nation. World Interfaith Harmony Week offers an important opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to these ideals."
The president said interfaith understanding had a direct bearing on the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
He said where harmony prevailed, children attended school without fear, places of worship remained open and secure, neighbourhoods functioned with trust and livelihoods were pursued with dignity. "Conversely, intolerance and division disrupt social life, strain local economies and erode the sense of safety that families depend upon. Promoting respect and dialogue among faiths is therefore not an abstract principle but a practical necessity for social stability and well-being."
The president said interfaith communication was more crucial than ever in an era marked by conflict, division and growing intolerance.
He said genuine engagement, education and open dialogue among followers of different religions were essential to counter prejudice and misunderstanding. "Beyond its moral importance, interfaith harmony is vital for social cohesion, sustainable peace and shared progress."
The president said Islam, like all great religions, upheld justice, peaceful cooperation and respect for human dignity.
He said the values of compassion, kindness and tolerance resonated across all religious traditions and reminded us that our common humanity is stronger than our differences.
"By fostering understanding and rejecting extremism in all its forms, we can build trust and solidarity within our societies."
The president commended the efforts of religious leaders, scholars, educators, civil society organisations and young people for promoting dialogue and harmony among communities.
He added that those efforts were essential in nurturing a culture of respect, countering hatred and guiding future generations to see diversity as a source of strength.
"Let us renew our resolve to uphold the values of interfaith harmony, protect the rights of minorities and work together for a peaceful and inclusive world. May this week encourage thoughtful action, informed dialogue and mutual respect," he said.
