Peaceful coexistence among followers of all faiths stressed

PESHAWAR: Speakers at a conference here on Friday emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence among followers of all religions and called for collective efforts to address global challenges, promote peace, and establish justice.

The event, titled “Social responsibilities of followers of religions and contemporary global challenges,” was organized by the Cultural Centre of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Prominent participants included Dr Hossein Chaghomi, Director General of the Iranian Cultural Centre in Peshawar; Iranian Consul General Ali Banfshekhah; Augustine Jacob, Chairman of Hum Log; Wazirzada, former minister for minority affairs; Allama Abid Hussain Shakri; Ravi Kumar; Bishop Ernest Jacob; Dr Muhammad Nazir, Professor at Peshawar Agricultural University; Akbar Sethi; Naz Parveen; Muhammad Maqsood Ahmad Salafi; and Allama Muhammad Shoaib, alongside other dignitaries and members of the Christian and Hindu communities.

Dr Hossein Chaghomi welcomed the participants, underscoring the significance of values such as truth, freedom, peace, security, and justice as central to divine teachings. He stressed the need to address pressing global issues such as deprivation, famine, hunger, extremism, and natural disasters.

The Iranian diplomat highlighted the importance of fostering peaceful coexistence and harmony, noting that true peace could only be achieved in a society free of oppression. He described today’s global challenges as a battle between good and evil, urging collective resistance to oppression and the pursuit of justice and a corruption-free world.

“Religions emphasize values like truth, honesty, justice, and opposition to tyranny, which, if practiced, help individuals curb their destructive and immoral tendencies,” he said.Other speakers highlighted the unity and friendship among followers of different faiths in Pakistan, emphasising that terrorism is not associated with any religion. They stressed the importance of embracing an inclusive ideology to address modern challenges effectively.

Participants said that religions were powerful sources of moral guidance, providing principles that inspire individuals and societies to adopt responsible approaches to contemporary issues. “Humanity can be served, and challenges addressed through interfaith harmony,” one participant remarked.