APD | Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue

Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. (E-mail: [email protected]).

The world is facing a severe crisis here and there; some are natural disasters, yet some of them are human-made and imposed ones like wars, sanctions, conflicts, etc. There are some problems based on misunderstandings or lack of full information, mostly. Hate due to different cultures and religions is also a significant cause of humankind's crisis inherited from history. Some mischievous people are deliberately making fun of other cultures and religions. Especially under the freedom of expression, some people were hurting others feeling and humiliating respectable.

For example, drinking alcohol is a matter of fun and enjoyment in many countries, especially in the Western world, while it is a punishable crime in the Muslim world. At the same time, some of the Muslim world's practices are urged and desired in the Western world. Like inheritance system of Islam, family system of Islam, Women rights in Islam etc.

A visionary leader, the prime minister of Pakistan, addressed the UN General Assembly last year and pointed out such issues. Since then, the Government of Pakistan worked closely with many other countries to formulate legislation to protect each other's cultures and religions. In-depth debates were organized, open discussions were invited, and various cultures, beliefs, and diversified nationalities have compiled recommendations.

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution co-sponsored by Pakistan and the Philippines on the "Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue" by an overwhelming majority. This resolution is part of Pakistan's global struggle to promote interfaith harmony, tolerance, respect for each other's religions and values, and peaceful co-existence.

The resolution welcomes the Kartarpur initiative by Pakistan, referring to it as a "landmark initiative for interreligious and intercultural cooperation for peace."Due to Pakistan's delegation's efforts, the resolution for the first time this year also acknowledges the significance and respect for religious symbols. It stresses that exercising the right to freedom of expression carries special duties and responsibilities and must therefore be subjected to legitimate restrictions.

In the wake of rapidly growing religious intolerance and racism, especially Islamophobia worldwide, this resolution is vital for mainstreaming these current challenges and taking the necessary steps to curb such trends. It will promote tolerance and pance for other cultures and religions too. The resolution emphases on interreligious and cultural dialogues amongst all stakeholders and advocates combatting intolerance, xenophobia, discrimination, and violent acts. It supports the High Representative call for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations for "mutual respect." It emphasizes the importance of realizing the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, especially the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has, felt Islamophobia severely, and frequently called upon the international community to counter Islamophobia and urged & encouraged for respect for religious sensitivities. The adoption of this resolution by the UN General Assembly is part of Pakistan's diplomatic efforts, and considered a big achievement, among other things, for raising awareness about Islamophobia and countering the defamation of sacred religious personalities and symbols.

The passing of legislation by an overwhelming majority means that serious people are worried that if a few non-serious people make fun and others' jokes are wrong, and may not be welcomed by the majority. Freedom of expression must be used for positiveness and the development of society in the right direction. Humiliating others will never be covered under freedom of expression.

It is hoped that the UN will strictly implement this legislation with its true spirit and may achieve harmony and understanding among various cultures and religions. At least, the human-made disasters reduced to a significant level.

Scholars, intelectuals, and media must project positiveness and avoid any misunderstanding or misleading narrative. We must struggle to attain an environment where all religions and cultures may live in complete harmony.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)