THIS is apropos of the report, 'Teachings of great Sufis can eliminate extremism' (Jan 10). The message and teachings of Sufism are universal and timeless. With its all-embracing message of love, unity, tolerance and brotherhood, Sufism unifies people irrespective of their caste, culture, creed and religion. It gels humanity together in a cohesive bond of love and purity of thoughts.

Pakistan is a land of saints and Sufis. But it pains us to witness colossal loss of human lives as a result of relentless suicide attacks, terrorism and extremism in our country with little regard of Sufis' message of peace, tolerance and love. I must say that never was a greater need of Sufis' message to be assimilated than now.

All resolutions the international Sufi conference adopted on Jan 9 at the Sindh Museum auditorium to promote Sufism and eliminate extremism and fundamentalism are indeed highly commendable. The international Foundation and Bazm-i-Bahoo must be appreciated for their concerted efforts for peace. Expressing their firm belief that Sufism alone can prevent wars and promote tolerance and mutual respect, the noted participants, writers and poets from Sindh and Punjab unanimously agreed that this great message should not be confined to shrines, rather we should imbue ourselves with this message practically in our day-to-day life.

The media is also rightly urged to play its pivotal role in highlighting and disseminating Sufism, motivating general public to forge unity and love in their ranks, rising above their petty and parochial differences. I also endorse the views of the participants that the message of Sufism should be imparted and inculcated in the minds of our youth through their syllabi of school, colleges and universities.

In this regard, the recent announcement by the establishment of Sufi University at Bhitshah, hopefully, will go a long way to serve the purpose it is basically meant for. With no let-up in terrorism and extremism in our country, the people of Pakistan have suffered a lot. Now, they yearn for peace, and peace only.

Sufism, I believe, is a panacea of all their problems.

Let hatred, ill-will, grudge and prejudice be buried forever. Let our hearts exhibit nothing but love, peace, brotherhood, tolerance and mutual respect to make our world a happy Eden. Let it not be a mere wishful thinking. Let us pledge to make this dream a reality.

KHADIM HUSSAIN SUBHPOTO

Hyderabad