‘Religious harmony, tolerance to be included in Punjab curriculum’

LAHORE: Punjab Education Minister Rana Mashhood speaking at an event on Sunday organised by the Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society (MKRMS) said the entire nation needed to resolve to fight terrorism and the elements threatening sectarian and interfaith harmony.
The minister was addressing the audience at yearly volunteers convention organised by MKRMS and Taangh Wasaib Organization. The convention was presided over by Punjab Population Welfare Minister Begum Zakia Shahnawaz and hosted by senior journalist and vice-chairman of MKRMS Wasif Nagi.
Minister Rana Mashhood said efforts were being undertaken by the Punjab government to inculcate religious harmony and tolerance in curriculum of schools and universities to discourage hate speech and promote peace in society. He said terrorism and sectarianism would be confronted and eliminated under the ongoing National Action Plan devised after the Peshawar APS attack.
No distinctions can be made between good and bad Taliban, he said and added the government was undertaking a massive operation against all elements spreading terror and breaking law in the country. He stated that no room or compromise will be given in this indiscriminate pursuit to eliminate terrorism. The minister blamed the decades of dictatorship in the country for the ongoing crises. He praised MKRMS for its contribution in building a platform for positive discussion and exchange of ideas.
Speaking on the occasion, Begum Zakia Shahnawaz said Islam had given women a respected position in society, whereas women in Pakistan were being dishonoured and discriminated against. She reiterated that women should be empowered for the benefit of society and women in Pakistan should feel safe and not vulnerable to threats of sexual assault and violence.
The event witnessed spellbinding performances by legendary singer Shabnam Majeed and Ustaad Hussain Buksh sending messages of peace and brotherly love. Children from different countries performed at the occasion. Wasif Nagi closing the event said efforts should be made to curb ignorance and illiteracy to stop radicalism in society and the entire nation must unite in this regard.