ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz on Wednesday said universities should promote research on inclusiveness and play a role in educating young people on peaceful Islamic values.

Speaking at an international conference titled ‘An Inclusive and Peaceful Society in Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities’, organised by the International Islamic University Islamabad’s (IIUI) Islamic Research Institute (IRI) and held at Faisal Mosque, Senator Faraz said the government has been successful in creating peace and harmony in society by pursuing dialogue and inclusiveness.

He said: “We have to make Pakistan a great country of great people where there is no place for hate, violence and extremism.”

He added that dialogue, peaceful coexistence and tolerance are prerequisites to build an ideal society.

Discussing the IIUI’s Paigham-i-Pakistan, he said this consensus document would provide guidance to promote patriotism and manage difficult issues in a peaceful manner. The minister said that Islam is religion of peace.

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Mohammad Qasim Suri also attended the conference. In his speech, he said Pakistan has the potential to deal with the challenges of Muslim world.

Calling for unity among the ranks, Mr Suri said negative elements want to create unrest in society and such attempts must be foiled through a well devised policy. While discussing the Paigham-i-Pakistan narrative, he said the prime minister presented this narrative at the United Nations and it was appreciated.

IIUI Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai said the university is focused on producing balanced human resource enlightened by Islamic teachings.

He said he hoped the Paigham-i-Pakistan forum’s five year plan of action for peace, cohesion and inclusiveness would be a source of a peaceful and inclusive society.

He said peace must be prioritised as a prerequisite for a strong economy.

IRI Director General Dr Ziaul Haq spoke about the objectives and importance of the conference. He also briefly elaborated on the future goals of the IRI and the Paigham-i-Pakistan forum.

Internationalising the Kashmir issue

Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Sardar Masood Khan during his meeting with IIUI faculty members urged the university to internationalise the Kashmir issue by engaging the youth and researchers at the university.

A source said that four faculty members from the IIUI’s international relations (IR) and political science department called on Mr Khan on Tuesday at Kashmir House.

The faculty members were Dr Mohammad Khan, IR and Political Science Chairperson Dr Noor Fatima, Dr Tauqeer Sargana and Dr Fouzia Ajmal.

Sources said the meeting was held to brainstorm how to contribute effectively to internationalising the Kashmir issue by engaging the youth and researchers under the IR and political science department.

One of the meeting’s participants said that the meeting discussed directing research publications towards the Kashmir issue and violations of international law by the Modi government.

They also discussed that research should be conducted on Indian action in India-held Kashmir, keeping in view international law.

Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2020