LAHORE: Speakers at a seminar on Tuesday discussed the historical aspect of the status of minorities along with the need to give them equal opportunities in education. Bargad Organisation for Youth Development had organised the seminar under umbrella of Paigam-e-Pakistan in collaboration with FC College Lahore, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Council of Islamic Ideology and World Council of Religions. Around 300 people, including minority representatives, legislators, civil society members, students, academicians and media persons attended the seminar. A presentation on policy brief ‘Quota for Non-Muslim students in Education’ was given by Usman Akhter. A panel discussion on ‘Unity through Diversity’ was also held. Dr Roohiya, Dr Munawar Chand, Hafiz M Nauman Hamid, Sardar Bisham Singh, Bhagat Laal Khokhar, Mansoor Kazi and Members National Assembly Shehryar Afridi and Romina Khurshid Alam participated in the discussion. On the occasion, the youth were urged to play their role as they form the largest chunk of the population. Nabila Malick moderated the programme. The panelists stressed the message of the seminar and shared their experiences respective to their communities and line of work. FC College Department of Religious Studies Chairperson Atiqur Rehman said that it was the only institution that offered courses in different religions and was very supportive of such initiatives. A campaign on social media was also run by Bargad team by using the hashtag #PaighamePakistan. Music performances were given by Abrarul Haq, Jawad Ahmed, Rafi Peer Theatre group and LUMS Music Society. All of the performances carried a message of peace and co-existence.
Published in Daily Times, February 14th 2018.
