PESHAWAR: Speakers at a function here on Wednesday urged followers of different religions to promote tolerance and interfaith harmony to discourage terrorists and develop spirit of peaceful coexistence in the society.

They were addressing the concluding ceremony of leadership course for the students of different educational institutions, organised by Peace Education and Development Foundation.

Coordinator to Chief Minister on Minority Affairs Ravi Kumar, Human Rights Directorate provincial director Mohammad Saqlain, MPA Meraj Humayun, Haroon Sarab Diyal, Sardar Charan Jeet Singh, Sardar Radesh Singh Tony, PEAD executive director Sameena Imtiaz, senior coordinator Shagufta Khaliq and woman district councillor Rabia Basri spoke on the occasion.

According to a statement, Ms Humayun said that youth must play role for promotion of peace and interfaith harmony in the country. “Private sector offers a wide range of working opportunities and we just need to utilise our abilities in an appropriate manner and contribute to economic growth of the country,” she added.

Ms Humayun claimed that for the first time provincial government realised to chalk out policies for empowerment of women. She added that youth should never get depressed owing to the current scenarios as great responsibility lied on their shoulders.

Mr Saqlain said on the occasion that there would be no deprivation and resistance if they respected and protected the rights of each other. He said that government alone was not responsible to protect human rights and people should also play their role.

Speaking on the occasion, Ravi Kumar said that they should adopt the formula of interfaith harmony, peace and tolerance as it was vital for peaceful coexistence in the society.

Earlier, Sameena Imtaiz told the participants that around 100 students from various universities were trained on the themes of leadership, peace building diversity, conflict resolution, democracy and civic engagement.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2016