Islamabad, Aug 2 (IANS) An independent think tank in Pakistan plans to rope in prominent Muslim scholars for a programme to promote peace and religious harmony in the country saddled with a violent conflict between various sects.
‘The programme will include a range of activities in three main categories of intellectual and academic discourse, advocacy campaign, and capacity building and awareness,’ a newsletter of the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) said.
The programme is likely to be started this month, the PIPS said, adding that prominent Pakistani ulema, (religious scholars), representing all Islamic sects, would be engaged in the activity ‘to promote peace and religious harmony in the society’.
Main highlights of the peace programme to be held here are a seminar on the national education system, bringing out a booklet of essays highlighting the dangers of sectarian differences, a discussion between ulema and human rights activists on the meaning and concept of freedom.
It would also include a training workshop with madrassa students on modern statecraft of nation-state system and its various institutions.
A training workshop would also be held for moderate religious scholars to enhance their intellectual capacity.
They would also publish a newsletter combining models and sets of best shared practices in other Muslim and non-Muslim countries for promotion of peace and tolerance in society.
