KHAIRPUR, Oct 31: Sufism can counter religious extremism haunting the world today. This was stated by research scholar Dr Nawaz Ali 'Shoak' while speaking as chief guest at the Sachal literary conference here on Saturday.

He said that Sufi saint Sachal Sarmast was against religious fanaticism and he preached communal harmony among people in his poetry.

He stressed the need for disseminating Sachal's message of love.

Dr Jabbar Junejo said Sachal was against the dominant role played by landlords and clerics.

Hidayat 'Prem', Ahmed Khan 'Madhosh', Malak Nadeem, Punhal Dahar, Murtaza Siyal and Imam Rashdi read out papers at the Adabi conference.

Meanwhile, a musical conference in connection with the annual urs of Sachal Sarmast was held in Daraza.

District Nazim Nafisa Shah presided over the conference.

It was attended by well-known singers Sadiq Faqir, Tameer Hussain, Sanam Marvi, Bhooral Faqir, Nazeer Faqir, Tufail Sanjrani, Shabir Samo and Deedar Samo. On this occasion, police baton-charged the students of the Shah Abdul Latif University and other people for overcrowding.

About 20 people received minor injuries due to a baton charge.