Minister for Religious Affairs Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq has called on Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Thailand Aree Wongsearaya and discussed Salman Rushdie issue.
Ijaz-ul-Haq along with a delegation, comprising Dr Abdullah bin Abdul Mohsin Al-Turki, Secretary General of Muslim World League, and Field Marshal Abdur Rehman Muhammad Suwarul Zahab, Chairman, Board of Trustee Organisation of Islamic Dawah, Sudan, extended the greetings of the President and Prime Minister to the Thai Prime Minister.
He explained the concept of enlightened moderation introduced by the President and the steps being taken by the government to curb extremism and develop better understanding between different faiths, says a message received here on Monday.
Ijaz-ul-Haq also explained the streamlining of religious seminaries in Pakistan and about the role that they are playing for the poor as the best NGOs in the world.
He said, "we have to work together on developing better understanding between different faiths at global level on creating dialogue and stop religious extremism." Ijaz-ul-Haq said the knighting of Salman Rushdie by UK is condemnable which has hurt the feelings of 1.5 billion Muslims across the globe.
The Minister said that we have to respect the religious beliefs of all.
The Prime Minister and Interior Minister appreciated Pakistan role and particularly the Ministry of Religious Affairs for curbing extremism. Ijaz-ul-Haq was briefed that the Thai government is keen to improve the relations with the Muslims living in Thailand, which are approximately 5 million.
They would like the delegation to assist the government in developing relations with the Muslim community and recommend to the Thailand government ways and means of introduction of modern education, vocational training, and other ways to curb extremism. The delegation also visited the Parliament and will go to the Southern provinces where the Muslims live in majority.