AN overwhelming majority of Pakistanis are hospitable, loving, accepting and tolerant people. In fact, secularism is the basis on which Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and founding fathers created Pakistan. Pakistan’s flag is one of the few in the world that clearly define the space for the Muslims (green part) and the minorities (the white part). Unfortunately, because of the actions of very few misguided people, Pakistan is perceived by a majority in the world as an intolerant and fundamentalist country. This perception, combined with the perception of terrorism is hurting Pakistan’s image in the world, thus impacting tourists as well as investors. This needs to be changed and we are capable of doing it!
In another article, I discussed the future of Pakistan and some of us, albeit a small minority, view it very brightly. Two largest factors for the optimism is the fact that Pakistan is projected to be 400 million people in 25 years, ie the third largest country in the world. And, concurrently, we will become the 14th largest economy of the world at $4.5 trillion (GDP-PPP).
Being the third largest country by population and the 14th largest economy by size, Pakistan will be seen as a leader of the world’s 200 countries, and we will be expected to act like one. And, as a leader, first and foremost, Pakistan will be gauged on how it treats its citizens, particularly the minorities. Inclusion and interfaith harmony will be one of the attributes that Pakistan will be gauged against, as it should be. A leading country of the world needs to be a just leader for all of its citizens regardless of race, religion, colour, creed or gender. And to get there, we have our work cut out, yet it is very doable.
As a small step towards religious understanding, an insightful and thought provoking “Exchange on Inter-Faith Harmony” took place in Islamabad the other day at the residence of an Ambassador. The array of guests came from every community including Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and Baha’i. Buddhist heritage was also represented at this event. The participants were some of the notables of Pakistan including a senator, parliamentarian, imams, Pirs, lawyers, prominent philanthropists and social activists. It was a perfect example of the diversity of Pakistan and how the diversity can voice their opinion, agree on the universal concept of acceptability, inclusion and tolerance and intermingle with love towards each other for many hours. For Pakistan to move forward towards the goal of “Inter-faith harmony”, it is accepted that many steps need to be undertaken. Let us note a few of them as follows.
First, education curricula have to be carefully reviewed to ensure that acceptability and care for the various beliefs and faiths is taught, not division and historic animosities. Secondly, the similarities in the teachings of the religious leaders have to be highlighted, not the differences in dogma. For instance, all major religious leaders – Muhammad (PBUH), Jesus, Moses, Buddha (Peace be on all of them) – meditated and fasted for 40 days or more for them to become enlightened. That cannot be a coincidence.
Furthermore, Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Buddhism have foundation precepts that one shall not kill, lie, steal, get intoxicated or engage in sensual deviation. Baha’i, Sikh and Hindu faith all advocate the same, and then some. Coincidence? Or isn’t all humanity created by the same creator and live by the same rules among which, love for your fellow human is first and foremost – “Whoever kills a soul….it is as if he has slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one, it is as if they had saved mankind entirely” (Surah Al-Mai’idah – 32)
Thirdly, we need to focus on our youth and teach them the virtues of religious harmony and love. Pakistan is a nation of 60pc youth, which will surpass 200 million by 2050. Hence, youth need to be a prime focus, and champions of change. Fourth, the laws of Pakistan need to be reviewed and revised. Minorities need to be treated as fully equal citizens of Pakistan. It is surprising to hear that a Christian of AJK can only be buried in a Christian cemetery in mainland Pakistan since there are no Christian cemeteries in AJK and neither are allowed by their law. A Christian lawyer cannot be a lawyer in the Sharia court unless it is a case involving a minority. There should be zero tolerance for hate speech, whether that is in on the street, schools, offices, politics or places of worship. Too many innocent people have lost their lives or churches burnt due to the misdirected anger of the mobs enticed by some self-serving individuals.
Finally and most importantly, to accomplish interfaith harmony, Pakistan needs to launch a massive “mindset and behaviour change” campaign with messaging on religious freedom and acceptance from the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the Quaid-e-Azam, and other leaders of Islam, Pakistan and other faiths. We should also teach our nation the commonality of teachings and messages of the religious leaders over time, and not focus on the differences in practices. After all, we are all the creation from the One Creator, and all knowledge, including philosophies of faiths, comes from Him. How can an accident of birth in a certain religion make one superior to another person born in another religion? Isn’t it only good deeds and our humanity that make a person better than another person? We need to get to this mindset to be a world’s leading nation!
—The writer is a former Senior Advisor to the Government and a sector development specialist. He is also a promoter of Pakistan and its Buddhist heritage.
