An expert roundtable on Contemporary Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue met at the Independence Palace in Astana during the 8th Congress of World and Traditional Religious Leaders, bringing together prominent religious leaders, scholars and university heads alongside the President of the International Islamic University Islamabad, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed. The session focused on the scientific study of religious diplomacy and its practical role in addressing global challenges.
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed underlined that “Religion is a useful instrument for achieving peace,” arguing that religious beliefs, leaders and faith-based organisations have significant potential to promote harmony within societies. He stressed that the ethical power of religion and active religious diplomacy can be integrated into conflict resolution strategies to help unite divided communities and encourage dialogues about shared virtues for a better society.
Drawing on Pakistan’s experience, he highlighted the national narrative Paigham-e-Pakistan, prepared and coordinated by the Islamic Research Institute at IIUI, as a concrete example of religious diplomacy in action. The Paigham-e-Pakistan unequivocally declares that sectarian hatred, armed sectarian conflict and imposing ideology by force violate Islamic injunctions and amount to creating disorder in the earth (fasād fī al-arḍ).
He also emphasised that the narrative protects the rights of non-Muslims, ensuring equal civil and legal rights to life, property and dignity within the framework of the Constitution and the law. The presentation was warmly received by participants and was seen as reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable peace and to advancing religious diplomacy on international platforms.
