On the International Day for Tolerance, Pakistan joins hands with the world community in highlighting this fundamental value of human development. Pakistan along with the international community reaffirms its commitment to promote cohesion, peaceful coexistence, respect and tolerance. The day highlights the significance of raising awareness that tolerance is not a sign of weakness but a manifestation of prudence, patience, humanity and strength of character.
The core foundation of Pakistan's Constitution and the country’s allegiance to international human rights conventions carries a message of fostering tolerance and forbearance besides shunning terrorism and extremism. Tolerance and forbearance are not only good moral and social virtues, but these are also rooted in the basic concept of Islamic teachings. Islam encourages demonstrating patience and tolerance towards people with different beliefs, religions, faith and cultures, and emphasize on treating them with respect and dignity.
The Seerat (way of life) of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) is a glowing example of the Islamic teachings that reflects tolerance and compassion. The Islamic teachings and all other international laws prioritize the significance of basic human values and encourage equal rights for the mankind regardless of colour and race.
Pakistan enjoys the diversity of various cultures, traditions and languages which reflects its beauty as a nation. The Constitution of Pakistan also provides equality and protection to every citizen and it is the duty of every citizen to promote interfaith harmony and the values of tolerance and empathy towards each other. In policy-making, the government prioritizes the concept of eliminating social and religious differences with a goal to mainstream all segments of society, particularly minorities. The government is committed to promote interfaith harmony and religious tolerance. In this context, the Minorities Rights Bill 2025 has also been passed by the Parliament which will help in protecting the rights of minorities and promoting interfaith harmony and ensuring its effective implementation.
On this day, we should renew our commitment to adopt the good virtues of tolerance and forbearance, individually and collectively, and also make them part of our political, religious, and civilizational norms. Let us play our roles within our families, in society and at government level for the reformation of society and contribute towards inculcating the golden lessons of harmony, love, tolerance, brotherhood and unity into the coming generations.
