AUTHOR: Fatima Saba Akhunzada
Danubius, XXXII- Supliment, Galati, 2014, pp. 17-30.
Abstract
The term interfaith dialogue is not new now. Followers of different religions and of different ideologies have already mentioned it. Since the World has become a global village, the need of interfaith discussion increased. The main objective of this interfaith dialogue is to promote religious tolerance and peace among different religions and to avoid conflicts and violence. Another objective is to create the atmosphere of respect towards the other religions which we hardly see in the past. We observe discrimination and prejudices among the followers of different religions which continues even at this day and age. Religion is the need of every person and society, its role cannot be ignored in life, and it should not be used as a reason of conflicts among the nations. We observe in the past and even in the present that the reasons and causes of conflicts are racial and regional and based on caste and creed rather than religion.
The hereby article tackles the situation of Pluralism in Pakistan and the attitude of the state towards other religious minorities. There is a brief discussion about the existing ethnic groups and their conflicts. The rights of religious groups are discussed in the light of the constitution of 1973. Violence and discrimination against the minorities is discussed in the paper and their complaints and problems are highlighted. In the end some recommendations are discussed, regular sessions of interfaith dialogue are the need of the present time. Sectarian violence should be banned. A special program should be put in place among religious groups of every level to trust, respect and religious tolerance in the society. The constitution of 1973 should not be violated by the state or religious minorities.