ISLAMABAD: A conference of 33 political and religious parties lauded on Monday a statement by Pope Francis criticising the publication of objectionable caricatures by a French magazine.

“We are thankful to the pope for his support to our stance,” Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said during the conference held by the Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC).

“We should have a united front consisting of religious segments from all faiths and school of thoughts to discourage disrespect for other religions,” he said.

Read: Freedom of speech has its limits, says pope

The minister called upon clergies and representatives of other religions to spearhead this task.

The conference expressed support for the armed forces in the fight against terrorism and the participants condemned extremism and hatred.

AJK President Sardar Yaqub Ahmed and representatives from all the sects and major political parties attended the conference.

PUC chairman Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi said disrespect of other religions “is a serious issue and is leading to tensions among communities across the globe”.

The resolution adopted by the conference called upon the world leaders, including those of United States, China, Saudi Arabia and European countries, to work for containing religious extremism.

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2015

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