ISLAMABAD, Aug 4, 2026: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Tuesday said the Government of Pakistan was fully committed to promoting interfaith harmony, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence across the country.
He expressed these views during a meeting with Chairman Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and Khatib of the historic Badshahi Mosque Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, and renowned international preacher and interfaith scholar Dr Leif Hetland.
The meeting focused on national and international efforts for promoting interfaith harmony, strengthening tolerance and protecting the rights of religious minorities.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed equal rights and religious freedom to all citizens without any discrimination of faith or creed. He underlined the need for collective efforts to spread the message of peace and affection in society.
Highlighting the ministry’s initiatives, the minister said Interfaith Harmony Committees had been reactivated at the national, provincial and district levels to bring religious scholars of all faiths on one platform.
He also referred to key measures including official observance of religious festivals of minority communities, protection and restoration of places of worship, special scholarships for minority students, and promotion of the Paigham-e-Pakistan national narrative to counter hate speech and sectarianism.
Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad said Islam’s basic message was based on peace, security and love for humanity. He said scholars and religious leaders had a religious and national responsibility to play a leading role in eliminating extremism and hatred and in building bridges of understanding among followers of different faiths.
Dr Leif Hetland appreciated Pakistan’s initiatives for advancing interfaith dialogue. He said constructive dialogue, mutual respect and unconditional love were essential for peaceful coexistence at the global level.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold joint programmes and capacity-building workshops to further promote interfaith tolerance.
