President urges Muslim unity

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday called on religious scholars from across the Muslim world to take an active role in fostering unity, confronting extremism, and presenting Islam’s message of peace.

He was speaking at the concluding session of the Sixth International Paigham-e-Islam Conference 2026 at the Presidency. The event was attended by former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, ulema, diplomats, and delegates from several countries, including Palestine and Saudi Arabia.

The president said the Muslim world was facing a range of challenges, including conflict, instability, and internal divisions, and said these issues required collective wisdom and unity. He said recent developments in West Asia had highlighted serious fractures affecting regional stability and economic conditions, while also shaping global perceptions of Islam in a negative way.

President Zardari said both external misrepresentation and internal sectarian divisions were adding to these difficulties. He stressed that Islam stands for peace, balance, and humanity, and said the protection of human life is central to its teachings.

He urged religious scholars to offer practical and intellectual guidance based on Islamic principles in order to strengthen harmony, tolerance, and coexistence.

Pakistan’s position on extremism and regional issues

Referring to Pakistan’s own experience, the president said the country had rendered major sacrifices in the fight against extremism and remained determined to eradicate violence in all its forms.

He also reiterated Pakistan’s foreign policy position, underlining the need for peaceful settlement of disputes in South Asia, including Jammu and Kashmir.

On Palestine, President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent support for the Palestinian cause and called for an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

He also underscored the importance of peace in Afghanistan, saying Afghan soil should not be allowed to be used for terrorist activities against any country.

Call for wider Muslim unity

The president said the role of religious scholars was especially important at a time when the Muslim world was confronting multiple pressures. He urged them to help build consensus and promote a message rooted in peace and mutual respect.

He also praised the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Mohammed bin Salman for their efforts to promote unity within the Muslim Ummah and address regional challenges.

The conference brought together religious scholars and representatives from different countries, with discussions focused on unity, tolerance, and the challenges facing Muslim societies.