RAWALPINDI, Oct 29 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) and Minister of State Fahd Haroon has called for promoting peace, interfaith harmony, kindness and respect for human rights, emphasising that these values should be reflected in everyday behaviour and interactions.
Addressing the award ceremony as the chief guest, organised by the National Peace Committee for Interfaith Harmony and Human Rights at Punjab Arts Council, Rawalpindi, Fahd Haroon said that peace and harmony could be strengthened through mutual understanding, compassion, justice and respect for people from different religious and social backgrounds.
He thanked the organiser, Raja Samad, and his team at the National Peace Committee for Interfaith Harmony and Human Rights for inviting him to the occasion, saying such gatherings provided an opportunity to recognise individuals working for the betterment of society.
Congratulating the award recipients from various fields, including law enforcement, journalism, education, human rights and social welfare, Haroon appreciated their contributions and said recognition encouraged people to continue serving society with dedication and sincerity.
He said people often remained occupied with their daily responsibilities and overlooked the efforts of those quietly working for the welfare of others, adding that such ceremonies helped acknowledge their contributions and boost their confidence.
Fahd Haroon said the teachings of Islam emphasised kindness, justice, compassion and respect for others, adding that the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reminded people of their responsibility towards fellow human beings.
He stressed that these values should not remain confined to speeches and ceremonies but should be practised in daily life, particularly in the way people interacted with others, responded to differences and treated the less fortunate.
He said Pakistan was a shared home for people belonging to different religious and social backgrounds, all of whom had contributed to the country’s development and had a role to play in its future.
Emphasising the importance of interfaith harmony, he said people might have different beliefs, professions and perspectives, but they shared a common responsibility towards the country and its people.
He added that understanding and respecting one another did not require agreement on every issue, but rather a willingness to listen and treat others with dignity.
Haroon also appreciated the remarks of Saba Gull, a prominent Pakistani transgender rights activist and founder and chairperson of the Pro Gender Support Foundation, saying her heartfelt expression on human rights had deeply touched him.
Recalling that his mother was a human rights journalist who had also written extensively on the subject, he said he was particularly pleased to hear her speak with sincerity and conviction.
He expressed hope that her voice would reach people across Pakistan and around the world.
He said every profession had its own challenges and that much of the work undertaken for society remained away from the public spotlight.
What mattered most, he said, was the sincerity with which people fulfilled their responsibilities and the positive difference they made in the lives of others.
He said a stronger Pakistan could be built not only through major achievements but also through the everyday efforts of people who performed their duties honestly and cared for their fellow citizens.
Haroon urged the award recipients to continue their efforts for the betterment of society and encouraged people from all walks of life to promote understanding instead of misunderstanding, kindness instead of hostility, and cooperation instead of division.
He prayed for Allah’s guidance and for peace, unity and prosperity in Pakistan, saying, “Long live Pakistan.”
The award recipients included Abid Abbasi, social activist and finance secretary of the National Press Club, Islamabad; Hina Durrani, reporter, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP); and Shazia Tahir of Radio Pakistan, among others.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
