Multan — A two-day training workshop titled “National Development and Social Harmony: The Role of Religious Scholars” concluded at the Faculty of Islamic Studies and Languages, Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan. The event was organized by the Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI).
The workshop gathered scholars, teachers, and students from various universities, seminaries, and academic institutions, who actively participated in discussions focused on the role of dialogue and religious leadership in fostering peace and unity.
Addressing the opening session, IRD Additional Director Nasir Fareed elaborated on the objectives of the institute, stating that IRD has been organizing workshops and intellectual sessions across Pakistan to promote dialogue, tolerance, and social cohesion. He said the initiative reflects the vision and guidance of Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, President of IIUI, aimed at building a just and compassionate society rooted in mutual respect and understanding.
He further added that IRD continues to pursue its mission through publications, conferences, training sessions, and extension lectures, encouraging scholarly dialogue on issues of national importance.
In the first session, Prof. Dr. Abdul Qudoos Sohaib, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies and Languages at BZU, spoke on “The Importance of Dialogue in Social Harmony.” He emphasized that dialogue is a powerful tool to reduce differences, remove misunderstandings, and strengthen social stability. He underlined that promoting a culture of communication, patience, and mutual respect is essential for peaceful coexistence.
Prof. Dr. Saeed ur Rehman, Dean at the University of Southern Punjab, Multan, highlighted that religious scholars play a crucial role in shaping public attitudes. He urged that they should utilize their sermons and religious gatherings to spread messages of peace, tolerance, and stability, noting that a peaceful society is the foundation of progress and prosperity.
The workshop concluded with a consensus among the speakers that religious scholars, through their intellectual insight and social influence, can significantly contribute to national development and social harmony by nurturing a culture of justice, compassion, and understanding.
