Islamabad: Secretary General of Muslim World League Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa has emphasized the importance of harmony among different religions, cultures, and nations as essential for lasting world peace. Addressing a National Symposium on Interfaith Harmony and Fundamental Rights-a constitutional imperative in Islamabad on Thursday, he said such harmony challenges the ideology that views clash of civilizations as inevitable.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Secretary General stated that Islam only permits war against oppression and aggression. He highlighted that the true spirit of Islam is rooted in peace and security, asserting that Islam guarantees religious freedom and the protection of worship places for non-Muslims. He also praised Pakistan as a leading example of these principles in practice and commended the Supreme Court of Pakistan, describing it as a symbol of justice and the rule of law.

Earlier, in his inaugural address, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi stated that the message of Islam, from its inception, has been one of peace, compassion, and respect for all humanity. He emphasized that the theme of this symposium is not unfamiliar to us but rather lives within our religion and finds affirmation in our constitution.

Addressing the symposium, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar highlighted that respect for minorities and the protection of their rights, as well as freedom of conscience and religion, have been guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan. He mentioned that the Constitution safeguards the freedom to profess religion, manage religious institutions, and protect minorities in education and their right to administer educational institutions.

He further noted that the Constitution of Pakistan prohibits religious discrimination in public and employment. The Law Minister also urged media, religious scholars, and civil society to play their due role in promoting narratives of compassion, common humanity, and tolerance.