Tolerance is the need of the hour for elimination of terrorism:Khalil Tahir Sindhu

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs & Human Rights Khalil Tahir Sindhu has said that promotion of religious harmony and tolerance is the need of the hour for elimination of terrorism and civil society, ulema and media can plan a key role in this regard.

He was addressing a provincial conference on the topic of protection of the rights of minorities, jointly arranged by Citizens Commission for Human Development and DAI at a local hotel, here today.

Dr. Naushin Hamid MPA, Tanzila Altaf of CCHD, Aamir Jan of Peace and Development Foundation, Ali Imran Country Programme Manager of Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Samson Salamat of Minister for Human Rights Education, Farrukh Khan Executive Director of CCHD and others also expressed their views on the problems and rights of minorities.

Khalil Tahir Sindhu said that as Pakistani citizens, minorities have equal rights and are playing an important role in all sectors of life. He said that laws are meant for the protection of citizens and their implementation helps in maintaining stability in the society. He said that Provincial Department for Minorities Affairs & Human Rights is setting up committees in 36 districts of the province for the promotion of religious harmony and tolerance and these committees will comprise followers of all religions. He said that mutual issues can be resolved through dialogue and it is also essential for promotion of national approach for transforming Pakistan into a welfare state in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam.