ISLAMABAD, Feb 19: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has stressed the need for developing a tolerant society to improve the country's image in the world.

Speaking at the 25th Annual Hussainia Conference here on Thursday, the minister said Pakistan was passing through a difficult time and there was a need for unity and brotherhood in the country.

He said Pakistan's image in other countries was very negative and it was the responsibility of all the people to work for elimination of hatred from the society. He said Pakistan would be one of the main issues in the forthcoming elections in the United States.

The government, he said, was about to launch 100 channels which was a proof that the country was making progress in the field of science and technology. He said there was a time when people used to oppose photography and air travel and termed them unIslamic. Now the same people are using these facilities in their daily life as these have become necessities, he added.

Mr Ahmed said the European media published and broadcast every news after thorough verification. Unfortunately, the situation is different in Pakistan, the minister said while criticizing the role of local media.

He said every person whose conscience was alive loved Hazrat Imam Hussain. He said Islam spread through knowledge and argument and not through the use of force. He praised the policies of President Gen Pervez Musharraf and said his services for Pakistan should not be overlooked.

Earlier, leader of the House in Senate, Wasim Sajjad, called for highlighting the principles laid by Hazrat Imam Hussain through his sacrifices. He said Imam Hussain had given a message to the people that they should not bow their heads before oppressors.

Pir of Golra Sharif Nasiruddin Nasir asked the Ulema to guide the people in the right direction and work for spread of love in the society. He said it was the job of the Ulema to tell the people which of the Hadiths were authentic.

He said fake Pirs were making people fool by claiming that they could resolve their various problems and cure diseases. When they themselves fall ill, they go to ordinary doctors, he added.

He paid tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain and narrated several incidents to highlight various aspects of his life. Speaking on the occasion, Pir Sahab Manki Sharif regretted that the Muslims had failed to make the world realize the importance of the Karbala incident.

He said the people throughout the world, including Pakistan, observed May Day to pay tributes to those unnamed labourers who were shot dead during a protest rally. However, he said, the day Hazrat Imam Hussain sacrificed his life for a just cause was not observed in the same manner.

MNA Dr Firdous Awan highlighted the role of women in the Karbala battle. She asked the women to play their role with the same spirit to help the nation come out of the present difficult time.