MULTAN,Jan 21st:Foreign Minister Mukhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said ," We are not extremists and we have recorderd our protest on the new screening policy of United States however we did not receive any response from Washington,"Addressing a seminar on Teachings of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya Multani in Bahauddin Zakariya University Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Wednesday there is urgent need to present true image of Islam and Pakistan in the world.The foreign minister said some elements were trying to link Islam to terrorism.Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance and brotherhood he said and added “we have to defeat their agenda by projecting teachings of mystics”.He said our history is replete with examples of tolerance. He said we are part of world and the world is our need. The world is paying greater attention to issues like extremism and terrorism. The world wanted to understand the reason behind extremism.
He said there is difference between cultural values in different societies and it is most essential to understand and respect each other’s culture and traditions. He said he had protested against screening policy in America but Richard Hallbrook argued that they took these measures in line with their protection.
In Afghanistan , US and Nato took different steps for their protection and some steps were contrary to Afghan culture and this cultural sensitivity caused quarrels and deaths. He said we have to reduce this gap otherwise this growing gap will cause harm.
He said a debate emerging amongst masses in different countries whether Minarets should be built or not, scarf should be used or not and that arguments were being issued from both sides.
About publication of blasphemous images in Norway and Denmark, he said many ambassadors and diplomats from Muslim countries have discussed the issue with me and we have lodged strong protest. The represenatatives of those countries say that there is freedom of expression and they cannot do anything. The Foreign Minister said now there is discussion in these countries as to what extent there should be freedom of expression. He said the freedom of expression does not meant to hurt other’s sentiments. He advocated that inter-faith dialogue is also vital to understand others point of view and make them understand our faith.He said we are moderate not extremists and we have to protect country’s interest.
Foreign Minister disclosed that he would participate in the meeting of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) countries to be held in March in Manila along with a group of Ulema from the country. He hoped that the Ulema would assist him in articulating true image of Islam to others.He said the world wanted to acquire knowledge about our Madarassa system adding that our madarassas are the best NGOs offering education, lodging and feeding facilities to students.
He said our education system was not properly heeded in past and added that more funds would be allocated for the promotion of quality education. He said education was vital in character building and promoting democratic norms in the country.
The FM disclosed that a task force would be set up soon to bring revolutionary changes in the education sector and renowned reformist and educationist from Great Britain Michael Barber would provide training to teachers and monitor the issues related to education. He hoped that Michael Barber’s services would be helpful in securing success. He said investment in education is the best way to defeat extremism and terrorism.
He said the whole world was talking about deliverance of human rights and the same message was propagated by mystics in their teachings. He said success in Swat operation was the result of national integration on the issue and consensus on National Finance Commission (NFC) was also a good example of national cohesion.
He said Balochistan package would also help in removing sense of deprivation among the people of province.
He urged the BZU students to put their energies towards education as it was high time to exploit talent.Foreign Minister
here on Wednesday announced Rs 500,000 for the newly set up Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya’s chair here at Bahauddin Zakariya Univarsity.The chair was introduced under the patronage of Prof Abdur Rahim in order to arrange Encyclopedia about Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya and to promote saint’s teachings.
The FM also lauded the performance of Vice Chancellor Dr Zafar Ullah for taking revolutionary steps in the varsity and also urged him to ensure the best education supporting environment for students.
He also disclosed that many projects for Bahauddin Zakariya Univarsity were in pipeline and the work on it would begin very soon.
He assured that there would be no shortage of funding for the univarsity.
