Western media fueling inter faith misunderstandings, says Durrani
By Angelina Bashir

ISLAMABAD—The extremist elements in the western media are fanning misunderstandings among followers of different religions.
It is imperative for the western powers to play their role for the settlement of the Kashmir and Palestine issues so that the extremism could be discouraged and the efforts being made for promotion of the religious harmony and tolerance at the international level could bear fruit.
“No matter to which faith they belong to, the extremist elements are despicable and need to be crushed without any discrimination on the basis of faith, nationality, cast and creed so that religious harmony could be promoted in the world,” said Minister of State for Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani. He was talking to a high-level delegation of the Christian Solidarity Worldwide, led by David Drew, a member of the British House of Commons, belonging to the Labour Party, that called on him here Friday.
The other members of the delegation included Director Christian Solidarity Worldwide Stuart Windsor, Benedict Rogers, member of conservative Party, Paul Diamond, journalist and human rights activist, and Group Captain (Retd) Cecil Chaudhry. The members of the delegation hailed the revolutionary steps taken by the minister in the sphere of youth affairs. Senator Durrani pointed out that the Pakistan government is taking practical measures for promotion of religious harmony amongst various religious and has clamped a ban on publication of material that promotes religious hatred.
He said the government would foil every conspiracy aimed at dividing the people of the country as it believes in importance of dialogue and wants to remove misunderstanding among different countries and followers of different faiths. He said that President General Pervez Musharraf’s concept of enlightened-moderation is particularly gaining popularity among youth, who would prove to be torchbearers in the movement for advancing religious harmony and tolerance. The religious parties got strength due to failure of the Pakistani political parties in serving people in the past, he said.
The religious elements are using the name of religion for advancing their personal and political agenda, he added. They also tried to influence the people through hollow slogans due to indulgence of politicians in corrupt practices and exploitation of masses and their failure to fulfill promises as well as poverty and inflation in past, he maintained. Muhammad Ali Durrani recalled that when President Musharraf took over, the country was on the verge of bankruptcy and economic collapse. He said the steps taken by President Musharraf against terrorists after attack on the World Centre in September 2001,have not only helped in rooting out terrorism but extremism has also been discouraged.
He said that President Musharraf not only restored democracy in the country but also adopted bold measures for strengthening the economy and state institutions: “The government is training youth of the country for promotion of religious harmony and tolerance and for this purpose youth delegations are being sent not only to the Islamic countries but also to other neighbouring and friendly countries. We are attracting youth to the cultural and sports events and other healthy activities by making them economically strong. Our ministry is ensuring representation of minorities in all the youth delegations being sent abroad,” he said. During the meeting, David Drew, the head of the delegation, said that he belonged to the ruling party but in personal capacity he was against Iraq war that was unfortunately launched at a wrong juncture of time.
But, he said, everyone should look forward, as war is no solution to the problems. He said the immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq is a difficult proposition because it might lead to infighting in Iraq. David Drew said that his delegation has come to Pakistan with the message of harmony among different faiths and promotion of religious tolerance and common values. He said that a large number of Muslims are settled in his constituency and he is actively working for their welfare.
He said that youth could play a vital role in promoting interfaith harmony and bilateral ties between Pakistan and Britain and exchange of youth delegation is very important in this regard.
The British MP said that young people in Pakistan and Britain are facing similar problems in the housing, health and economic sectors.
He said the British people are also worried about the Kashmir, Palestine and other problems because they faced the issue of Ireland in the recent past.
But, he said there could be no magical solution of such problems and he would continue his efforts for settlement of the lingering issues.
If these problems are not solved, the future generations would be affected further.
MP David Drew said that he and his colleagues are making efforts for solving problems being faced by Muslim youth in Britain.
He said that co-education and extremism are on top of the list of problems being faced by the Muslim youth in his country.
“The religious parties and institutions will have to make efforts to solve interfaith problems through dialogue,” he stressed.
Stuart Windsor, director of the Christian SolidarityWorldwide, said he is visiting Pakistan third time, as he loves the country and its people.
He said he worked for end to oppression against Muslims in the Indian state of Gujarat and also raised voice against the intimidation of other minorities in India.
He stressed the need for promotion of mutual respect and tolerance for interfaith harmony and peace.
Paul Diamonds said that youth play the role of forerunner in the campaign for peace and mutual tolerance.
He welcomed restoration of joint electorate system in Pakistan.
On the occasion, Cecil Chaudhry hailed the efforts Minister of State Muhammad Ali Durrani for working to safeguard the rights of minorities and fundamental human rights, and said that he would work with him at all levels.