Islamabad : Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain has called for promoting tolerance and understanding to create a world where all people, regardless of their faith, can live in harmony and peace. Addressing the opening ceremony of the Gandhara Symposium in Islamabad today, he emphasized the need for unity against extremism and injustice, recognizing diversity as a strength.
The Minister highlighted the critical role of intercultural and interfaith dialogue in addressing challenges like extremism. He stated that such dialogues are essential for fostering mutual respect and understanding among different faith communities.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain pointed out that Pakistan’s rich heritage places it in a unique position to promote dialogue and cooperation among all faiths. He underscored the importance of leveraging this heritage to build bridges between diverse religious and cultural groups.
In his address, the Minister commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its exceptional efforts in organizing the symposium. He acknowledged the hard work and dedication involved in bringing together such a significant event that fosters global cooperation and understanding.
The symposium also saw the participation of foreign delegations and Buddhist leaders from countries including Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and China. Notably, Sri Lankan Minister for Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayaka was among the visiting delegates. The event featured an exhibition of Gandhara Art, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the region.
