KARACHI: Speakers at a seminar on Wednesday underlined the importance of religious harmony and the role of Islamic teachings in promoting peace in the country.

The seminar tilted “State of Pakistan — Paigham-i-Pakistan: Challenges, Threats, Solutions, and Responsibilities of Institutions” was organised by the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) at the International Centre of Chemical and Biological Sciences of the University of Karachi.

Prominent among the speakers were Mufti Muhammad Yosuf Khan, President of Ittehad ul-Madaris Al-Islamia and member of the central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee; Allama Sheikh Asghar Hussain Shaheedi Secretary General of Hayaat-e-Aaima-e-Masaajid; Mufti Muhammad Abid Mubarak Madani, President of Tanzeem-ul-Masajid Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan; Mufti Yahya Majeed, Sheikh-ul-Hadees at Jamiya-tul-Darasaat-al-Islamia; and Dr Zeeshan Ahmed, Pro-Chancellor of Ghazali University.

Vice chancellors, pro VCs and deans from many universities across the province attended the event, said a press release issued here on Wednesday.

The speakers said that the higher education institutions could play in navigating and overcoming the challenges faced by the country while contributing to the nation’s stability and progress.

Mufti Abdul Rahim of Jamia Tur Rasheed elaborated on the importance of Pakistan’s religious foundations and its importance in combating extremist ideologies, saying that this initiative serves as a ray of hope for the nation and guides the youth towards moderation and constructive dialogue.

SHEC chairman Prof Dr Tariq Rafi said that Pakistan was currently going through a very difficult phase. Referring to the recent developments in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said there was a need to find out the reasons why the youth were influenced by all the things that have negative aspects.

Director of Kulliya-Tush-Sharia at Ghazali University Mufti Ahmad Afnan said that Pakistan was an Islamic state and the government and forces of Pakistan were bound by the Constitution of Pakistan.

KU VC Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi said that without spreading peace, raising the words of truth, equality and justice in society, the character of children could not be formed.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2024