Minister for Planning and Development advocates for a national narrative of peace, highlighting the misuse of religion to fuel extremism

In a powerful call for unity, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal urged the promotion of a narrative centred on tolerance, dialogue, and mutual understanding, as a means to combat the growing culture of hate and prejudice within society. Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad on Wednesday, Iqbal highlighted the critical need to address divisive ideologies that often fuel extremism and social disharmony.

Iqbal pointed out that while religion is often misused to create divisions, it is vital to emphasise the true spirit of Islam, which is based on love, tolerance, and coexistence. “Islam is a religion that unequivocally rejects violence and coercion,” he stated. “Our duty is to uphold the principles of love, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.”

The Minister went on to explain that prejudice and hate frequently arise from ignorance and fear, which can lead to dangerous divisions within society. These divisions, if left unchecked, can escalate into extremism, threatening the peace and stability of the nation. Iqbal stressed that it was not only a societal but a collective responsibility to prevent the spread of such harmful ideologies. “We must fight the viruses of hate and prejudice,” he asserted. “If we allow these to take root, the human mind risks losing its ability to think rationally and objectively.”

Iqbal also outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to address the issue of extremism and intolerance, mentioning one of the most significant national initiatives: Paigham-e-Pakistan. This initiative is a narrative aimed at combating extremism and hate speech in Pakistan, promoting an inclusive and tolerant society. The government has taken significant steps to counter the dangerous spread of these negative ideologies, Iqbal said, but the efforts require widespread public support to be truly effective.

Echoing his message, Iqbal reminded the audience that addressing these challenges requires a concerted, nation-wide approach. It is essential, he stated, that all sections of society come together to uphold the core values of peace and tolerance, ensuring that future generations inherit a more harmonious world.