ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony and Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, met with the Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins. During the meeting, both discussed various proposals regarding the rising trend of religious intolerance in the world, the elimination of terrorism and sectarianism, the establishment of peace, and the promotion of interfaith harmony. Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain stated that promoting interfaith and intra-faith harmony in the country, along with addressing the issues of overseas Pakistanis, is among his priorities. Minorities in Pakistan enjoy all political, economic, and social rights guaranteed by the constitution. Pakistan and Australia should work together through interfaith and intercultural dialogue to promote religious harmony, peace, and tolerance in the world. Over 18,000 seminaries have been registered under the Ministry of Education. Providing modern technical education to seminary students is a crucial need of the time.
Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins expressed that Australia is ready to assist Pakistan in providing modern technical education to seminary students. Hate and intolerance are two fundamental factors that foster violence and extremism. The promotion of interfaith harmony is only possible by fostering feelings of love, equality, tolerance, and acceptance in society. Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins expressed sorrow over the deaths of Pakistanis in Greece while attempting to cross by boat, stating that there is a commitment to provide more employment opportunities for skilled Pakistanis in Australia.
Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain mentioned that the Government of Pakistan is taking more effective measures to prevent illegal human trafficking. The Government of Pakistan has initiated a project to impart modern skills to individuals going abroad for employment. The meeting concluded with an agreement to enhance cooperation between the two countries for the elimination of extremism and the promotion of interfaith harmony.
