Honorable President!
Alhamdolillah that we all are here for a great cause.
And thankful to the management and leadership of the Community of St Egidio for holding this conference.
Respectable Audience!!
The topic “Relgions in Asia and the pursuit of Peace”. Is great, comprehensive and really reflects the history, current situation and future of 4.56Billions people of the world.
Religions in Asia are deep rooted, much historic with flowers and fruits but thorns as well. For many Religions in Asia are the source of blessings and for others it’s the source of trouble.
Islam is one among these many religions. Islam means our submission to the will of God and that is the true peace.
And God has given dignity to all the human being.
The message is that each and every individual on this earth deserve dignity irrespective of its religious backgrounds, color, race or geography.
And you all will be glad to know that this is the spirit of all the revealed religions.
And now coming to some harsh realities, shocking and panic situation that recently had happened in Pakistan.
The Tragedy of Jaranwala, when an emotional and crazy mob attacked the Churches and houses of Christians.
The moment the tragedy took place I was in Saudi Arabia for an International Peace Conference. I was requested by the top Chritians Leadership including Arch Bisihop Sebastien Shaw. He said ,”Maulana Azad we need you at this moment. We need your help. We are in trouble. Kindly rush to our help. The crazy mob has burnt our houses and churches”.
That was shocking news for me that disturbed me. Within no time, I requested the Conference Leadership and management that I have to rush my country. MyChritians brothers, sisters and children are in trouble. They need me at this moment. I cannt stay here. I changed my schedule and reached Pakistan. The same day, I called a meeting of Muslim and other religions Leadership and convened a Condemnation Press Conference at National level. We condemned this barbarian act and declared to stand with the Chritians brothers , sisters and uchildren. This was such a momentous step that it was followed by all Imams and Khateebs on National level. And along with this on my appeal the Friday Sermon was attributed for the rights of minorities in islam.
And the next day I took a delegation of the religious scholars and government officials and met with the victims of the tragedy. Upon my arrival I discovered that they were really looking forward to me being their true voice and brother. It was very difficult for me to see their situation. I was advised by many people not to go to Christian places. I told them they need me and they consider me as their brother. And mingled with them. They were scared and frightened. It was a challenge for me to remove their fear. I spent time with them and assured them my full support.
We assembled them in a church and consoled with the victim families and assured them that they will not take rest till the arrest of the culprits.
What I did, helped and contributed. I did it in the light of Quran, teaching of the Prophet(PBUH).
And this is the real and true spirit of Islam and other Religions to help the victims and affected people irrespective of their religious backgrounds. In this regard, I paid a second visit with Federal Minsiter for religions affairs and interfaith harmony.
Dear Audiance!!
We understand that the factual scenario of Pakistan is also very challenging. During the course of war on terror the nation has suffered a lot; mosques, Imam Bargah, shrines, religious and political gatherings, missionary centers, churches, police stations, army personals and even schools, hospitals had not been spared. 70,000 people have been killed in the war against terror. Billions dollars have been lost and the economy has become in shamble conditions.
The government, armed forces, security agencies, police personals, and national institutions have made unprecedented sacrifices.
Today the people, our armed forces, and security agencies are on one page; against terrorism and extremism. Especially the religious scholars have made an effort in the form of Paigham e Pakistan and its narrative. This is the real image and true narrative of Pakistan; to promote religious harmony, respect of humanity and tolerance at all levels.
Ultimately our hope rests in God who gave us life, sustains the world by His power, and has called us to act for Peace.
Thank you very much.