Pakistan Interfaith Conference Calls For Religious Freedom

The Islamabad High Court Bar Association, in cooperation with the Apostolic Nunciature in Pakistan, recently hosted a major national gathering centered around Pakistan religious interfaith harmony. Held at the Islamabad High Court Bar Association Complex, the event brought together distinguished national and international figures under the theme of building bridges of faith, justice, and peace.

Participants included judges, parliamentarians, diplomats, legal professionals, human rights activists, and religious scholars from various traditions. A high-level delegation from the Vatican's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue also attended, highlighting the ongoing commitment of the Catholic Church to fostering mutual understanding and fraternity across communities in the region.

Speakers at the conference focused heavily on the relationship between faith, justice, and peace. The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Germano Penemote, emphasized that the Holy See actively works to safeguard human dignity and support vulnerable populations through education and healthcare. Msgr. Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku Kankanamalage stressed that religious freedom is a core recognition of human dignity rather than a mere concession. He referenced the founding father of Pakistan, Ali Jinnah, by highlighting that the state has no business interfering in an individual's choice of worship.

Interfaith harmony requires legal equality, responsible leadership, and the courage to resolve sensitive issues through dialogue.

Judicial leaders and government officials also addressed the gathering. The Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court urged citizens to move away from divisive labels of majority and minority, emphasizing a shared national identity. Other speakers raised concerns regarding forced conversions and the misinterpretation of religious texts, calling for robust legal protections and a commitment to moderation and mutual respect.

Why it matters

This landmark gathering highlights crucial discussions surrounding constitutional equality and minority rights within South Asia. By bringing together diverse legal, religious, and political figures, the event emphasizes that social harmony depends on equal protection under the law and constructive dialogue across different communities.