MULTAN: President Dr Arif Alvi called for understanding the real spirit of Islam and practically following in the footsteps of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) by emulating His teachings of peace, harmony and forgiveness for a tolerant and cohesive society.
Addressing the inaugural session of a Sufi Conference here at the Bahauddin Zakariya University on Thursday, he said the challenges being faced by the country could only be addressed by pursuing a policy of tolerance and understanding.
The president expressed confidence that the new government would fulfill its pledge to end poverty from the country and ensure provision of shelter for all.
He said it would be the real service to the people of Pakistan and help them stand on their own feet by providing them the basic necessities of life.
He said during the forthcoming month of Rabbi-ul- Awwal, Aiwan-e-Sadr would welcome Ulema and Mashaikh and said a special Mehfil-e-Milad would be held and attended by children from the orphanages.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, addressing the conference, called for mainstreaming of the madaris – schools dedicated to religious teaching, so that their students could attain knowledge in all spheres of life. He said there was a need to learn from Sufism.
He said Sufis were the flag-bearers in spreading Islam in the sub-continent and there was a need to emulate their examples of tolerance, to counter the threats of extremism and terrorism.
He said the Sufis had always spread a message of peace and love, aimed at building a stronger society.
He said Pakistan was at a critical stage and required cohesion and unity amongst all ranks and files. He also stressed the need for interfaith harmony and said its importance had risen all the more in a polarized world.
He said the Bahauddin Zakariya University was playing a key role in bringing people from all over Pakistan together and building harmony and brotherhood.
