President Asif Ali Zardari said on Monday that entire free world was responsible for extremism in the region as once the objectives were achieved the militants were abandoned to their fate. The President said this while addressing an International Conference on 'Sufism and Peace' arranged by Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
He said that extremism and militancy were mindset of vested interests to defeat a rival ideology in the region and the extremists were encouraged to use religion as the basis of their ideology. Around 80 delegates from 30 countries and 250 from Pakistan are participating in the conference.
President Zardari said that Sufism has a pivotal role to play in making peace in the world for the sake of betterment and welfare of the mankind. "We have to focus our attention on teachings of peace, love and tolerance of the Sufi saints so as to counter extremism and the militant mindset", he added. He said the issue of extremism and terrorism can be addressed with the contribution of the great sufis who always taught their followers to convert their hatred into constructive tasks.
Pakistan was home of great Sufi saints who dedicated their lives to the promotion of peace and harmony and the vast majority of people believe in peace and universal brotherhood as enshrined in the teaching of Holy Prophet (SAW), Zardari said.
The President said that the most important issue of the present era was peace - peace in the country as well as peace outside the borders. He said unlike the teachings of any religion, it has continued to be used as a weapon of war. "It is these very militants who have come to haunt all of us," he added. He said the entire philosophy of Sufism revolves around purification of the souls and creating an environment where humanity was not threatened by few individuals while trying to impose their narrow versions of religion upon a vast majority.
He termed the extremists and terrorists as enemies of Pakistan and Islam and of peace in the region saying that Pakistan will never bow before terror and will never allow the extremists to advance their murderous agenda within the country and the region. President Zardari said Islam does not teach any of its followers to adopt violent means for realisation of objectives.
"It preaches peace, tolerance and harmony and most importantly love - love for each other and for humanity," he said. The President urged the gathering to play its part in making the world a better place to live. "May we all live in peace as world needs the touch, care and the deep thought of sufism."
He said the conference shows Pakistan's commitment to the cause of peace and the deep bond of its people to the forces of love, harmony and brotherhood, which is the soul message of sufis.
Advisor to Prime Minister on Education Sardar Assef Ahmed Ali mentioned the role of sufi saints of the sub-continent that brought a sea change in the minds and lives of people with the divine message of 'Tasawwaf' based on love. He termed religious extremism and terrorism in contrast with the teachings of Islam, which only promotes brotherhood and affinity.
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