ISLAMABAD, Sept 3: It is imperative that western powers play their role for the settlement of Kashmir and Palestine to discourage extremism and promote harmony and tolerance at international level between followers of different religions.

This was stated by Minister of State for Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Mohammad Ali Durrani while talking to the Christian Solidarity Worldwide delegation (CSW) on Friday.

The delegation was headed by a member of House of Commons belonging to the Labour Party.

“No matter to which faith they belong, the extremists are despicable and need to be crushed without any discrimination on the basis of faith, nationality, cast and creed to promote peace in the world,” Mr Durrani said.

The other members of the delegation included CSW Director Stuart Windsor, member of the Conservative Party Benedict Rogers, journalist and human rights activist Paul Diamond and Group Capt (retired) Cecil Chaudhry.

The minister said extremist elements in western media were creating misunderstandings among the people belonging to various faiths.

Pakistan is taking practical measures for interfaith harmony and has clamped down on extremist and hate materials, Mr Durrani said, adding that the government would foil every attempt at dividing the people of the country.

The head of the delegation, David Drew, said despite belonging to the ruling party he was against Iraq war in his personal capacity.

Unfortunately the war was launched at a wrong juncture of time, Mr Drew said, adding that the immediate withdrawal of troops was a difficult proposition because it would lead to civil war in Iraq.

He said Britain was concerned about the political problems and lack of democratic and human rights in the Middle East, and these factors were promoting extremism in the region.

David Drew said the objective of the delegation was to promote common values between the two countries. A large number of Muslims are settled in his constituency and he is actively working for their welfare, Mr Drew said.

He said youth could play a vital role in promoting bilateral ties between the two countries, and added that the exchange of youth delegations was important in this regard.

CSW Director Stuart Windsor said he was visiting Pakistan for the third time and loved this country. He said he had worked for an end to oppression against Muslims of the Indian State of Gujarat and also raised voice against intimidation of other minorities in India.

Paul Diamond said youth should play their role for mutual tolerance.

On the occasion, Cecil Chaudhry hailed the efforts of the minister to safeguard the rights of minorities in Pakistan.