Promotion of Hate Material Must Be Stopped: Declaration of the Interfaith Conference

Two-Day International Conference at Minhaj University Concludes — Delegates from 25 Countries Participate
Participants Commend Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri’s Global Peace Efforts — Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri Expresses Gratitude

The two-day International Interfaith Conference hosted by Minhaj University Lahore concluded successfully, with representatives from 25 countries participating in the event.

In its joint declaration, the conference emphasized that the promotion of hate material must be stopped under all circumstances, and a comprehensive national policy for the promotion of interfaith harmony is indispensable. It was proposed that a committee on interfaith tolerance be established under an Act of Parliament to eliminate hate speech and discriminatory behavior. This committee should also introduce an authorized mechanism for mediation and dispute resolution at the district level.

The declaration further recommended the annual publication of an “Interfaith Harmony Index” and called for empowering the media to play a constructive and responsible role in this regard.

Presenting his paper, Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Deputy Chairman, Board of Governors, Minhaj University Lahore, said that minorities played an equal role in the creation of Pakistan, and they cannot be separated from the national mainstream of progress and unity. He added that since Muslims form the overwhelming majority in Pakistan, their role in promoting tolerance is pivotal. Sustainable peace and development, he said, cannot be achieved merely through legal reforms — the mindset that breeds extremism must also be transformed. He emphasized that the Holy Prophet ﷺ provided clear teachings regarding the rights and protection of minorities.

Allama Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, one of the participants, praised Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri for his courageous and pioneering role in combating extremism and violence. “At a time when people were afraid even to name terrorists,” he said, “Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri issued a historic fatwa (religious decree) against terrorism and suicide bombings.”

The closing session was attended by Professor Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri (Deputy Chairman, Board of Governors, Minhaj University Lahore), Professor Dr. Sajid Mahmood Shahzad (Vice Chancellor, Minhaj University Lahore), Khuram Nawaz Gandapur (Secretary General, Minhaj-ul-Quran International), Ahmad Khawar Shahzad (Deputy Coordination Officer, Home Department Punjab), Dr. David Anderson (USA), Dr. Taranjit Singh Batalia, Venerable Dr. Robert Samuel Azariah, Bishop Azad Marshall, Sohail Raza (Director Interfaith Relations), and Qaiser Rafiq (CEO, Discover Pakistan).

On the final day of the conference, three panel discussions and two technical sessions were held, where research scholars deliberated on various aspects of interfaith harmony and tolerance.

At the conclusion of the event, Professor Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri presented commemorative shields to the distinguished guests in recognition of their participation and contributions.