Khel Das Kohistani, Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, said unity and harmony are the only solutions to the challenges facing society today while addressing a conference at Holy Trinity Cathedral Church in Karachi. He outlined practical steps the federal ministry is taking under the leadership of Sardar Muhammad Yousuf to promote minority welfare and interfaith harmony.
The minister said the government has allocated annual funds to help bring minorities into the mainstream and will ensure protection of minority rights, religious tolerance and the freedom to celebrate festivals. He stressed that the state stands on the principles set out by Quaid-e-Azam days before independence and pointed to recent public participation by the Prime Minister, the Punjab Chief Minister and the Sindh Chief Minister in minority festivals as a message of solidarity.
Khel Das expressed that a time when religions are truly united would make such conferences unnecessary, adding that understanding each other’s faiths is essential for living together with mutual respect and dignity. He also condemned terrorism and said no religion supports violence, calling for international forums to highlight Pakistan’s efforts to promote religious harmony and peace.
During his remarks the minister also commented on regional tensions, saying India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “today’s Ravan,” and claimed that his arrogance has been shattered by Pakistan’s armed forces. These remarks were made in the context of emphasizing national resolve against terror and defending Pakistan’s stance on peace and security.
Dr. Sham Sunder Advani, Special Assistant to the Sindh Chief Minister, said Pakistan is a homeland where people of different faiths live together in love and harmony and praised the Sindh government and PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for promoting interfaith understanding. He highlighted that every child is first human and later follows a family religion, underlining the shared human values across faiths.
Bishop Frederick John welcomed such gatherings as essential for teaching coexistence and thanked security agencies for ensuring safety during Christmas celebrations. Religious scholars at the event, including Dr. Jameel Rathore and Dr. Shabbir Hussain, reiterated that Islamic teachings emphasize humanity, justice and the protection of human rights, and that there is no compulsion in religion.
Mufti Muhammad Qasuri said the conference sends a positive message nationally and internationally, stressing that all religions teach respect and the principle of living and letting live. Sardar Ramesh, representing the Sikh community, praised Pakistan’s opening of the Kartarpur Corridor for pilgrims and urged the Indian government to reciprocate and reopen the corridor to promote peace and pilgrimage access.
Dr. Mahesh Kumar, member of the Sindh Assembly, called for educating children about different religions to foster respect and protect minority rights. The event brought together scholars and community representatives to reinforce interfaith harmony and showcased government commitments aimed at strengthening social cohesion across Pakistan.
