09 February 2005	Wednesday	29 Zilhaj 1425

ISLAMABAD, Feb 8: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Tuesday stressed greater unity amongst all sects and called for projecting the true image of Islam which propagates peace and tolerance.

Addressing the 26th Hussainia Conference, the prime minister said Islam was a strong and dynamic religion and it was the responsibility of the Ulema and its followers to portray it in its true form and spirit.

Mr Aziz said in the recent past, a negative image of Islam had been portrayed, particularly in the West, adding that it was necessary to make all-out efforts to remove such misperceptions.

He said he asked the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) secretary-general during his recent visit to Pakistan to unite the Muslim Ummah and take steps for proper portrayal of Islam and its teachings.

He also referred to the concept of "Enlightened Moderation" of President Gen Pervez Musharraf and said the objective was to remove the misperceptions about Islam and create greater understanding in the West.

He said conspiracies were being hatched against the religion and it was important that all such attempts were foiled by highlighting the essence of Islamic teachings which sought harmony with other religions and advocated peace and tolerance.

The prime minister urged the Ulema and people belonging to different sects to stand united to thwart all such designs. He said every person was free to pursue his religion without any fear or threat in the country.

"The life of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) serves as a beacon for all to follow, and guides us through the difficulties which we may encounter."

Mr Aziz said Pakistan and Islam were linked by strong bonds and the people had a strong faith. He said no one could separate one from the other.

Referring to the government policies, he said efforts were being made to improve the standard of living of the masses. He urged the people to work hard and take inspiration from the Islamic teachings to serve their nation and the country. He also warned the people to be wary of those who were bent upon creating differences and to take steps to thwart such efforts.

The prime minister joined the gathering in praying for country's prosperity, strength and harmony.

Earlier, Minister for Religious Affairs Ijazul Haq in his brief remarks also called for unity and solidarity amongst people of different sects. He urged the people to work for bringing peace and harmony to the country.

Mr Haq said Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) laid down his life for the glory of Islam and it was the duty of the followers to strive for one's rights, fight for the truth and not to succumb to the pressures in their ordinary lives.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said Ulema and Mushaikh should observe Muharram with reverence, respect and peace throughout the country.

Other speaker who highlighted the teaching of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S) were Markazi Imam Hussain Council Chairman Dr Ghazanfar Mehdi, Pir Naqibur Rehman, Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Ibrahim Tahiryan, Bosnian Ambassador Abdullah Haziq, MNA Dr Fidaus Ashiq Awan, Parliamentary Secretary for Education Diwan Syed Jaffar Hussain Bukhari, Pir Naseeruddin Shah, Allama Syed Chiraghuddin Shah, Allama Syed Mohammad Qawi, Barrister Rubab Mehdi and S. K. Tressler.-APP