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PM says Pakistan is moderate Islamic Democratic State
ISLAMABAD, Nov 23 : Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said Pakistan is a moderate Islamic Democratic State and there is complete interfaith harmony among the people belonging to various religions.
He was talking to Arch Bishop of Canterbury of Church of England, Dr. Rowan Williams who called him at the Prime Minister on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister said Islam is religions of peace and tolerance which teaches brotherhood and promotes inter religion harmony. He said it is against all type of terrorism and violence and supports peace, love and affection among various communities to ensure a peaceful society.
He said sense of deprivation and lack of access to education causes extremism and there is need to move forward towards implementing President Pervez Musharraf 's concept of enlightened moderation to bring peace in the world and uplift of the people. He said the government is taking concrete measures to promote interfaith harmony in Pakistan to ensure peace and smooth social economic development.
He said the government in Pakistan is making all out efforts to promote education and all levels which helps promoting moderation and harmony and situation has considerably been improved in the last few years. He said majority of Pakistanis are moderate and they do not believe in extremism.Mr. Shaukat Aziz said in Pakistan minorities enjoy complete freedom to practice their religion and faith and they have double rights of political participation in the political system.
Dr. William speaking on the occasion appreciated the steps taken by Pakistan Govt to safeguard the rights of minorities and promoting interfaith harmony for a peaceful atmosphere.
Later talking to newsmen Mr. William's appreciated concept of enlighten moderation presented by the President and said it can greatly helpful promote inter religion harmony. He said implementation of this concept can promote democratic engagements for tolerance and create positive real interaction among various communities on the basis of shared commitment for peace.
To a question he said he has held open discussion with the Prime Minister about dialogue of faiths. He appreciated Pakistani leadership for its willingness to engage the international community for the promotion of inter religion harmony.
He said that he has visited tent villages in the earthquake affected areas and was really impressed by the relief and rehabilitation work being done by various agencies to assist the affectees. He hoped that the pledges made by the international community in the donor's conference would help accelerate the pace of reconstruction and rehabilitation the affected areas.