Lahore: Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan, a social movement striving for the advancement of religious & political tolerance, social inclusion, democratic values and fundamental freedoms has announced to observe a “Week for Tolerance” to celebrate International Day for Tolerance. The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for Tolerance is annually observed on November 16 to educate people about the need for tolerance in society and to help them understand the negative effects of intolerance.

On November 11, 2024, Samson Salamat (Chairman Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan), Ejaz Alam Augustin (Former Minister on Human Rights and Minorities Affairs), Saeeda Diep (Executive Director Centre for Peace and Secular Studies), Pastor Amjad Niamat ( Chairman Ecumenical Commission Presbyterian Church of Pakistan) , Pastor Emmanuel Khokhar (Spokesperson Church of Pakistan), Saleem Bhatti (Deputy Information Secretary PPP), Ashir Sarfraz ( CEO Christian True Spirit), Dr. Sharjeel Zafar (Christian Lawyers Association) and others social, political and religious leaders held a Press Conference at Lahore Press Club.

Chairman Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan, Mr. Samson Salamat unveiled that the decision of Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan to observe “WEEK for Tolerance” has come forth in the context of prevailing religious and political intolerance, extremism and increased violence in the society which has riddled the public life drastically, compelling the people to live in fear and terror.  During the Week of Tolerance different activities shall be held in connection to highlight the importance of religious and political tolerance for a peaceful and violence free society.

While highlighting the importance of the subject Mr. Samson Salamat said that “concerted and serious effort are required across multiple sectors including state structure, constitutional and legal reforms, education, media and governance in order to bring Pakistan back on the track of religious tolerance, acceptance and respect of everyone without any discrimination for peaceful co-existence.  In order to achieve maximum in the current dismal situation of our country, committed political will, allocation of resources and inclusive approach to engage all segments of society in this transformation process is pivotal to overcome the legacy of violence and build a future based on tolerance and acceptance. 

Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan suggested following steps, initiatives and strategies to promote tolerance, social inclusion, democratic values and fundamental freedom in the society:

- 16 November, International Day for Tolerance should be observed as a National Day to promote the spirit of tolerance in the society.  

-  The Government and the responsible state institutions should officially opt, adopt and propagate the ideology of Tolerance (Rwadari) as a counter-narratives to challenge the extremist ideologies prevailing in the society and trends of violence in the context of religion and sect.

-  Biased, discriminatory or inflammatory material from the textbooks should be removed that propagate hatred or extremist ideologies. School curriculum should be revised to include content promoting tolerance, acceptance and respect of diversity and critical thinking. Furthermore, teachers should be trained on peace building methodologies, nonviolent communication techniques and foster inclusive classroom environment.

-   The government should launch an organized and well-thought nationwide campaigns to promote the values of pluralism, tolerance, and coexistence using innovative tools & techniques and online spaces.

-    The government should engage religious leaders, community elders, and youth leaders in dialogue and initiatives to counter extremism and promote social and interfaith harmony. Furthermore, encourage and engage youth to participate in the art, culture and sports activities.  

-    The implementation of National Action Plan should be ensured in letter and spirit which includes the ban on hate speech through print, electronic & social media, ban on the extremist outfits to stop their public gatherings, funds collection, acts of hate speech and instigation of violence because all these acts are threat to religious tolerance, social and religions harmony.   

-  The consistent misuse of blasphemy laws has significantly damaged the spirit of religious tolerance, inclusiveness acceptance and respect of diversity as promised by the Founder of Pakistan in his 11th August speech to the Constituent Assembly, Therefore the National Assembly, Senate and the Provincial Assemblies should hold Grand Debates on the consistent misuse of blasphemy laws, lynching and violence against minorities and to come up with effective strategies to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the police and other administrative apparatus to minimize the damage in the context of blasphemy incidents and violence against minorities.

In the end of the Press Conference Candles were lightened in memory of the martyrs of Quetta Railway Station suicide attack on and all those who lost their lives in violent extremism and terrorism.