Center For Peace And Secular Studies

Diversity Seminars

CPSS organized a series of seminars based on the theme of interfaith and intersect harmony. Since religion is such a core component of the fabric of society and so vital to public opinion formation and political decision making, a positive contribution from religious leaders could greatly assist in fighting extremism and intolerance in Pakistan and uniting the nation. With this goal in mind, four seminars were held at the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture (PILAC). Around eleven hundred participants including Sikhs, Hindus, Christians and Muslims attended these seminars. Religious leaders and students were the focus of attention in these seminars. The majority of participants were affiliated with universities or religious seminaries, including Deoband, Ahl-e-Hadith, Barelvi, Ahl-Tashi, Catholic and Protestant seminaries. Seminars consisted of speeches from distinguished panelists, followed by question and answer sessions. Honorable speakers included religious leaders and scholars, academics, journalists, and government officials. After each seminar, the attendants all signed a resolution of peace, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring interfaith and intersect harmony. This activity was supported by DAI.