LAHORE, July 10: Governor Khalid Maqbool has called upon religious scholars to develop a broader vision and provide intellectual leadership to the world for the propagation of the real message of Islam.

Speaking at a meeting during a visit to the Iqbal Institute of Research, Education and Dialogue here on Monday, the governor said Islam is a universal religion which teaches treatment of all human beings on the basis of equality, justice and compassion, but this aspect was taught only formally in our educational institutions.

The new generation required to be equipped with the capability to understand and interpret the Holy Quran and Sunnah for solving problems in accordance with the injunctions of Islam and its projection as a balanced religion. Religious scholars of all schools of thought would be associated in the mission for the projection of real image of Islam.

He said teaching of Islamiat required to be entrusted to people with a broad intellectual vision. A study of 1400-year history of Islam showed that all famous Muslim scientists were well versed in Quranic knowledge. The Holy Quran had provided guidance for all human development achieved so far. The University of Education had started a four-year degree programme for training religious teachers. He directed the institute to develop online software and booklets and arrange radio talk shows of prominent religious scholars for propagation of Islamic teachings.

Institute chief executive officer Dr Riffat Hasan said extremism was not prevalent only among the followers of religion. The tendency was also prevalent in the people who did not believe in the religion. The real image of Islam as a moderate religion requires to be projected for both categories of extremists. The institute would invite religious scholars of international repute to Pakistan for forming their opinion about Islam after watching the Muslim society here.

The meeting was also attended by Government College University vice-chancellor Dr Khalid Aftab, Punjab University Oriental College dean Dr Mohammad Akram Chaudry, Lahore College for Women University Islamiat department chairperson Nassemus Sahar and a number of religious scholars.