From "Madaris preaching peace in Pakistan, says Munter" The Nation, November 18, 2011
FAISALABAD - US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter on Thursday said that Pakistani madrasas are preaching peace, adding that he could do nothing regarding drone attacks and that only the US government could stop them.
“The issues between Pakistan and America are combined. Both the countries should make collective efforts to solve them, respect each other and fulfil our respective responsibilities,” Munter said while addressing an interfaith seminar held in Jamia Salafia in Faisalabad. He added, “The new generation must observe tolerance as Pakistanis want peace.”
Stressing collecting efforts for rooting out the elements behind sectarianism, the ambassador said that the interfaith seminar was a beginning. Munter, who was accompanied by his wife Dr Marilyn Wyatt and US Consul General Nina Fite, also expressed the hope that the bilateral issues would resolve soon. He was of the view that the best way to solve bilateral issues is negotiations and both the nations should try to understand bilateral viewpoints by trusting each other. He termed the Jamia Salfia a model for other religious seminaries.
Thanking Jamia Principal Muhammad Yaseen Zafar and President Bashir Ahmad and Qazi Abdul Qadeer, he termed the seminar exemplary and praised the Jamia’s curriculum and system.
On the occasion, Maulana Masood Alam said that Islam is the religion of peace while Maulana Zahid Qasmi said that madrasas are forts of peace and are imparting education and nothing else. Also a Hindu leader praised the seminar.
According to a statement issued by the US Embassy, Munter applauded the participants for their efforts to make Pakistan a safer place for worshippers of all faiths, and by doing so building a stronger, more secure and prosperous Pakistan.
He reiterated US support for religious freedom and the protection of religious minorities. He noted that Quaid-i-Azam Muhammed Ali Jinnah himself recognised the importance of freedom of worship for Pakistan’s growth and development.
Later, the delegation visited Ghosia Shrine. The seminar was attended by Bishop of the Church of Pakistan Samuel Azariah, Abdul Qadir Khomash from the Muslim-Christian Federation, All Pakistan Hindu Rights Movement leader Haroon Saryab-Dial, and Gauranat Narmak Gi Sikh Mission Chairman Dr Mampar Singh among others.
