Economic Factor Exists Behind Sectorial Conflicts : MNA Surraya Asghar
Media Workshop by Women Resilient Network
Tazeen Akhtar (COPY RIGHT) Camera : Raja Ghulam Farid
ISLAMABAD : The Parliamentarians, Media persons and Academicians expressed strong resolve to promote interfaith harmony in their respective circles of influence to build a safe and secure future for the next generations in Pakistan.
This consensus was observed in a One-Day Workshop for Media Professionals on the theme: “Promoting Interfaith Harmony & Inclusion through Responsible Media” hosted by Resilient Women Network (RWN)in collaboration with Freedom of Religion or Belief,FoRB in Islamabad.
The participants inncluded Madam Asia Nasir , Gulnaz Shehnaz MNA, Surayya Asghar MNA , Dr Akhtar Abbas, Zamir Haider , this scribe, Masroor Ahmad, Mudassar Mukhtar, Ammar Barlas, Tariq Chaman and other representatives from different media groups.
Former MNA, Asia Nasir, in her welcome note, shed light on the status of non Muslim Pakistanis and their rights in the constitution. She appreciated that state of Pakistan gives equal rights to all citizens whichever religion they belong to. However, sometimes untoward incidents took place that can be stopped to happen with collective responsibility of the society.
MNA Gulnaz Shehnaz Pasha said , We have to build the interfaith harmony together. Everyone is supposed to contribute to promote it at one’s level. She suggested to make amendments in the primary schools’ curriculum for interfaith.
Regarding PMLN Policy , she made it clear that party ticket can be applied by the candidate of any religion. There is no restriction or bias for anyone. ” Our party believes in respect of humanity and human beings, she said.
MNA Surayya Asghar, in her concluding remarks , said , economy of the person is important when we see sectorial conflicts or hate acts on the basis of religious beliefs. She said, we are already divided into so many parts on different factors, we need to sit together and ponder upon how far we can go with our differences. She recommened social contacts building to promote harmony in the society.
She emphsized that the journalists were supposed to take care while running the tickers on their channels. She said, one wrong news item could affect the whole life of the concerned person. She said, media could play major role in highlighting the importance of positive approaches for all beliefs.
In interactive session , Dr. Mudassar Mukhtar, Masroor Ahmad, Ammar Barlas, Tariq Chaman shared their views on the topic and stressed that legal side should be activated according to the severity of the matter of hate crimes on religious basis.
The speakers also discussed the contributions of Christian community in health and education sector. They called upon the authorities to save the properties of the hospitals and educational institutions of the non Muslim community from land grabbers and qabza mafia.
A case study was presented about Shailokh Hospital in Jalal Pur Jattan district Gujrat. The parliamentarians were urged upon to raise this issue of illegal occupation and sale of land in the National Assembly.
The participants discussed how media can promote unity, tolerance and brotherhood in our society. The workshop brought together people from different religions and cultures to share their experiences and emphasize how responsible journalism can reduce hatred and prejudice and spread the message of love and understanding.
The speakers noted, “We all have a responsibility to use our voices for positive change. Let’s work together to create a Pakistan where every religion and every individual is valued and everyone thrives together in peace and love.”
