Pakistan, Netherlands Pledge Cooperation on Interfaith Harmony

ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Khail Das Kohistani, held a meeting with Dutch Ambassador Robert-Jan Siegert at his office in Islamabad on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed in detail matters of mutual interest, focusing on the promotion of interfaith harmony, protection of minority rights, and regional cooperation. Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to fostering peace, dialogue, and brotherhood in the region, while jointly working against Islamophobia.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Khail Das Kohistani highlighted that the rights of minorities were clearly enshrined in Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic speech on August 11, 1947, and guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan. He added that the Ministry is actively promoting interfaith gatherings and dialogues nationwide and ensuring that all religious festivals of minority communities are celebrated under official patronage.
The minister also noted that under the Minorities Welfare Fund, educational scholarships have been provided to non-Muslim children, while significant efforts have been made for the maintenance and renovation of religious places of worship. Through conferences, dialogues, and religious programmes, representatives of Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Parsi and other communities engage in discussions to promote peace, mutual respect, and collaborative initiatives. Khail Das Kohistani emphasized that the Ministry ensures all citizens, regardless of faith, can live harmoniously with their religious, social, and cultural rights fully protected.
Ambassador Robert-Jan Siegert described Pakistan as a unique country with a rich diversity of religions, cultures, landscape and languages. He noted that the Netherlands does not have a dedicated ministry for interfaith harmony and expressed interest in learning from Pakistan’s experience in this area. He stressed that the Dutch government places high importance on human rights and opposes all forms of discrimination. He further praised Pakistan’s commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and friendship, reaffirming the Netherlands’ respect for the country’s efforts.
Both officials underlined their shared determination to strengthen regional peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation against Islamophobia, acknowledging the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ vital role in safeguarding minority rights, fostering social harmony, and enhancing Pakistan’s international relationships.