Islamabad (Staff Reporter)
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, has said that “Saiban Pakistan” is a national initiative aimed at promoting interfaith harmony and social cohesion, while strengthening the national narrative against extremism.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Saiban Pakistan, the minister highlighted that the initiative follows the model of “Paigham-e-Pakistan” launched in 2018 and will promote national unity. He emphasized that minorities are represented across all sectors in Pakistan, and social harmony is a cornerstone of the country’s progress.
Professor Iqbal stressed the importance of fostering tolerance and dialogue among youth, calling interfaith dialogue essential for peaceful coexistence and social stability. He added that religious tolerance and dialogue play a key role in combating extremism, noting that Pakistan’s founder guaranteed religious freedom for all citizens.
The minister further urged citizens to revive Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of Pakistan, where religion guides ethics but does not restrict rights, and all individuals are equal. He appealed to religious scholars to avoid turning differences into hatred, political leaders to debate without spreading enmity, media to amplify voices of peace, teachers to instill tolerance in children, and civil society to continue healing societal wounds.
Referring to the historic Charter of Medina, Professor Iqbal said it serves as a model of citizenship, religious freedom, rule of law, and mutual respect. He concluded by calling for a Pakistan founded on brotherhood and unity, free from hatred and prejudice, and shared his personal experience of surviving an assassination attempt in 2018, which strengthened his resolve for promoting peace.