Statement by the Foreign Minister at the Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace New York 25 September 2009

Mr. Chairman,

Distinguished Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish to express my gratitude for organizing this meeting on an issue of immense importance for the maintenance of international peace and security, and for the well-being and prosperity of the entire human race.

Mr. chairman

  1. History is witness that propagation of divisive ideologies inspired by greed and self interest has brought immeasurable misery, death, destruction and animosity within and between peoples through centuries. Even in recent times, we have plenty of sad memories of adventurers causing immense grief to humanity through unbridled pursuit of nefarious ideologies.
  2. All along religions have tried to play a soothing role with their pristine message of love, tolerance, equality and respect for human life and dignity. But today, religion itself is under assault. While we are trying to cope with the atmosphere of confrontation generated by proponents of clash of civilizations, misperceptions regarding the ongoing fight against terrorism, prevailing economic crisis and concerns about food security have complicated our task. It has been further exacerbated by outstanding political disputes emanating from foreign occupation, historical injustices and false notions of racial superiority. This toxic brew has generated intense interfaith and intercultural mistrust and tensions.
  3. It imposes heavy responsibility on governments, right thinking individuals and organizations of civil society to play their role in promoting harmony, understanding and common human values of love and mutual respect among all faiths, cultures and nations. Pakistan takes this responsibility very seriously.

    Mr. chairman

  4. Notwithstanding their diversity, religions have much more in common which unites us than what divides us
  5. We need to build on these commonalities for promoting religious and cultural harmony within and among societies. We thus view the interfaith dialogue in the broader context. In pursuit of this objective, Pakistan has taken several important steps at the national and international level including at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and UN Human Rights Council (HRC). This also includes our joint resolution with Philippines on “Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace”. At the same time, we recognize the complementarities of different initiatives aimed at creating understanding and harmony among various faiths and cultures.

    Mr. chairman

  6. We have been meeting at this forum for the last four years. We have made progress in moving forward as a group. The Ministerial meetings help in providing guidance for undertaking targeted and coordinated initiatives at the national and international levels. Last year, we adopted a result oriented programme of work. I am confident that once we are through the implementation phase its positive results will be there for everyone to see.

    Mr. chairman

  7. I wish to avail of this opportunity to apprise this august gathering of various measures being implemented by the Government of Pakistan to promote inter-faith harmony and understanding in line with the programme of work adopted by the Ministerial meeting. These include:
    • The Federal Cabinet, the highest decision making body in the country, has decided to celebrate 11th August every year as Minorities Day to promote understanding and harmony among all segments of society;
    • Interfaith Harmony Committees have been established at local-level, through out the country, with representation of religious leaders from all faiths. The mandate of these Committees is to enhance understanding through joint meetings as well as make recommendations for promotion and protection of the rights of minorities;
    • Interfaith Conferences are periodically organized by the Government at various levels with participation of religious scholars, academicians and activists of civil society organizations;
    • Our fiercely independent and vibrant media provides the conducive ambience for in depth discussion on interfaith issues; and We have established a Benazir Democracy Institute and a Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Foundation to encourage dialogue for creating an inclusive society.

    Mr. chairman

    1. The tendency to defame religions and associate specific cultures and faiths with violence is manifestation of a new and contemporary form of racism and xenophobia. It is a dangerous and divisive trend which has serious implications for international peace and security, particularly in the context of epic ongoing struggle against terrorism. We must endeavour to curb this tendency, and continue efforts aimed at promoting interfaith harmony, understanding and accommodation. Pakistan expresses its full commitment to this noble cause.

    Thank you