Participants of a seminar at International Islamic University (IIU) describing Pakistan and KSA as major players of Muslim unity opined that 1.8 billion Muslims across the world must address challenges with a collective approach and unison.
Seminar titled “Role of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Pakistan in Promotion of Muslim Unity and Social peace: in light of Muslim World League (MWL) international conference on Islamic unity — the perils of labeling and exclusion” was organized by Islamic Research Institute (IRI) of university at Faisal Masjid campus. The MWL conference was organized in Mecca in second week of December where intellectuals and scholars declared KSA heart of Islam and called upon Muslims to create unity among ranks.
Describing Saudi Arabia as the center of Islam, speakers of seminar showed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and appreciated its efforts for Muslim unity. Speakers underlined the urgent need for the Muslims world to unite efforts and consolidate economic, social and political projects now more than ever. They called for bringing all Muslims under one banner and one word to face the challenges that surround them today.
Pir Nur Haq Qadri, Federal Minister of Religious Affairs an Interfaith Harmony said that labeling is not Islam but a path of differences. He said Islam is religion of collective opinion, mutual respect and these attributes are required to be disseminated across the world. He appreciated IIUI for giving Paigham e Pakistan narrative to nation and said that it was being hailed across the world. Talking about the religious harmony, the minister said that the Premier had assigned a task to one of his envoys to work for legislation on respect for religions.
Speaking at the seminar IIUI Rector Dr. Masoom Yasinzai said that Pakistan and KSA share common objective of Muslim unity which brings brotherly nations further closer. He said that IIUI was an omen of strong bilateral ties between both nations, He added that university also reflects shared goal of both countries that is practical application of peaceful co-existence. Pakistanis have inexpressible love for KSA as it is land of two holy mosques. He said recent successful visit of Pakistani premier shows that mutual relations between both Muslim states will further strengthen in future.
IIUI President Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh said that convening of seminar comes at a crucial time when the world suffers from dispersion, disagreement, fragmentation, fanaticism. He said that unity and harmony were prerequisites for maintaining peace across the world. Pakistan is a blessing of Almighty Allah and Saudi-Pak relations are exemplary and getting stronger with every passing day. He thanked KSA leadership for support of IIUI and also hailed the efforts made Saudi KSA Ambassador for PAK-Saudi relations. He also thanked KSA government for continuous support of Pakistan.
Earlier, DG IRI Dr. Muhammad Zia ul Haq also addressed the seminar and apprised about objectives and importance e of the activity. The seminar was also attended by Deputy Saudi Ambassador with other diplomats, diplomats hailing from Islamic countries, IIUI Vice Presidents, Senior faculty members, researchers and students.