ISLAMABAD, Nov 19: British Prime Minister Tony Blair here on Sunday called for promoting interfaith harmony and stressed that there was a need to understand each other’s view point.

Speaking at a dialogue on contemporary issues in Islam at the International Islamic University (IIU), he also stressed the need for tolerance and sharing values.

The British prime minister rejected the theory of clash of civilizations and said people belonging to all faiths must work together for a peaceful world.

“It was not a monologue. Blair patiently listened to the views expressed by various scholars during the dialogue which lasted about an hour,” a participant told Dawn after the visiting dignitary’s closed-door discussion with a select group of scholars and intellectuals.

Mr Blair at the outset of the session sought to know the views of the scholars on the phenomenon of extremism, radicalism and violence, and interfaith harmony.

Those who attended the dialogue included Dr Manzoor Ahmad, Rector of the IlU; PML secretary-general Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed; Dr Khalid Masud, Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology; Professor Khurshid Ahmad, Dr Maleeha Lodhi, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to the UK; Dr Anwar H. Siddiqui, President of the IIU; Dr Arifa Syeda Zehra, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women; Dr Mohammad Suheyl Umar, Director Iqbal Academy; Dr Ijaz Shafi Gilani, Dean of Social Sciences, IIU; British High Commissioner Mark Lyal Grant, and Shaher Bano Walahaji.

The scholars and intellectuals stressed that the unrest in the Muslim world had nothing to do with religious prejudice and was a result of the global situation in which the Muslims were being subjected to discrimination.

They said there was a need to understand each other’s view point not only in religious but also in politico-social context. They stressed the need to address the root causes of extremism and terrorism. They were of the view that violence can be reduced by 70-80 per cent through just solutions to the longstanding Palestine and Kashmir issues.

They said Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance and it was unfair to equate it with terrorism or extremism. They said those who try to defame Islam need to understand the religion. According to a press release issued by the IIU, an intense, free and frank dialogue was held between the participants on current issues pertaining to the Muslim world, relations between the western and Muslim civilizations and the role UK and Europe in general can play in resolving the Palestinian and other disputes confronting the Muslims. The role of youth was also discussed. Relations between Pakistan and UK universities were also highlighted.

The British premier first visited Faisal Mosque, where he was received by Dr Manzoor Ahmad and Dr Anwar Siddiqui. Mr Blair was visibly impressed with the beauty of the mosque, its unique architecture and breathtaking location at the foothills of Margalla hills.