09 March 2005	Wednesday	27 Muharram 1426

KARACHI, March 8: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has called upon Ulema to strive to make the world aware of the real message of Islam which upheld the universal principles of humanity, equality, tolerance and peace. They must also work to clear misconceptions about Islam spread in different parts of the world.

The prime minister was addressing the Sindh Ulema and Mashaikh Conference held here on Tuesday under the aegis of the provincial department of religious affairs. He said that Islam faced challenges, but it had the capacity to meet them.

He urged the ulema to be extremely cautious in their approach on the theory of the 'clash of the civilization' and reaffirm the conviction of Muslims in general, and youths in particular, regarding the strength of their religion which held 'immense flexibility' and promoted respect for humanity.

Responding to points raised by religious scholars about the government's policy towards religious schools, the prime minister said the government was keen to provide equal opportunities to students of these institutions.

"We desire to see these children excel in medicine, engineering, information technology and other disciplines," he said, adding that the idea was to bring these schools and their students to the mainstream.

He assured government's full support for these schools and said that measures were also being taken to develop linkages among religious scholars belonging to different schools of thought to promote harmony and unity.

He said that people of a Muslim state ought to eliminate differences between various schools of thought and promote tolerance. Acrimony and intolerance, he added, sent wrong messages abroad.

Referring to the concept of "enlightened moderation" envisioned by President Pervez Musharraf, he said it was aimed to tackle effectively the present day challenges without budging an inch on 'the fundamentals and principles of our religion'.

He said he believed in the principle of hard work, commitment and honesty which were the corner-stone of his policy which was leading the country towards progress and development.

Admitting that the process might be slow and immediate impact on the masses might not be very evident, the prime minister said it would be continued for the larger benefit of the country. He indicated that strong action would continue to be taken against groups and outfits which indulged in terrorism and subversive activities.

The conference was attended by religious leaders from different parts of the province, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, federal minister for Religious Affairs Ejazul Haq, Minister of State for Religious Affairs Aamir Liaquat Hussain and Sindh Minister for Auqaf and Zakat and Religious Affairs Manzoor Panwhar.

Speaking at the conference, Maulana Muneebur Rehman pointed out that religious schools in general should not be regarded as hub of unlawful activities. He said that specific cases should be mentioned because there were adequate means to identify them.

He said that Pakistan being an Islamic republic it was necessary to ensure that Islamic principles were promoted and activities or practices which were not in conformity with Islam should be discouraged. -Agencies