Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal addressed a seminar in Islamabad, focusing on the role of religions in promoting global peace and justice. He emphasized the need for faith-based moral guidance to overcome challenges such as conflict and inequality.

According to Press Information Department, the seminar titled “Cultures and Communities: The Role of Religions in Fostering Peace, Harmony, and Justice” was organized by the Institute of Policy and Strategies. Iqbal highlighted that while religions universally advocate for peace and justice, societal issues like intolerance and violence persist. He called on leaders and communities to transcend divisions and promote mutual understanding.

Iqbal underscored the link between societal peace and development, arguing that sustainable progress is unattainable without mutual respect. He pointed out that Vision 2025 acknowledges this connection, advocating for growth rooted in justice. Citing a Hadith, Iqbal stressed the importance of fostering harmony over rituals, especially in today’s divided world.

Reflecting on his personal experience with an assassination attempt in 2018, Iqbal warned against hate speech and divisive rhetoric. He urged collective efforts to counter such narratives. The Minister also mentioned the government’s Paigham-e-Pakistan initiative, which denounces extremism and promotes interfaith harmony, aligning with Islamic principles of peace. Concluding his address, he reiterated that peace and harmony are essential for inclusive growth and improving citizens’ quality of life.