Zardari calls for restoring true image of Islam

Author: Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Former president Asif Ali Zardari has called for restoring the peaceful, progressive and egalitarian image of Islam.

In his message of the birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal being celebrated today (November 9), he said, “The best way to pay homage to Iqbal was to reiterate our resolve not to allow anyone to exploit religion for foisting a specific political agenda or perpetrating violence.”

He continued, “In memory of Iqbal, let us dedicate ourselves to free inquiry, discussion and debate, as preached by him and also refuse to blindly follow the dogmatic interpretations of religion,” the former president said.

He said the message of Islam had been systematically distorted over the decades. “We need to seek inspiration from Iqbal to correct the distortions and restore true image of Islam. Let us not fear in reinterpreting religious thought in the light of his teachings,” the former President said.

He said Iqbal had rejected the idea of giving legislative powers to a handful of un-elected clerics and stressed that such powers must be exercised by the elected representatives of the people.

Share
Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

  • Pakistan

PTI’s central political committees raise questions about Bushra Bibi’s involvement

On Wednesday, the core and political committees of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) deliberated on Bushra Bibi's…

14 mins ago
  • Pakistan

‘Final call turns out to be missed call’

In a scathing criticism, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar slammed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after the party…

2 hours ago
  • Pakistan

SC rejects suo motu notice plea on fatalities during PTI protest

The Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court has rejected the PTI plea seeking to take…

2 hours ago
  • Pakistan

Finance ministry sees Nov inflation dropping to 5.8-6.8%

The first four months of the current fiscal year showed better than expected improvement marked…

2 hours ago
  • Pakistan

Govt says Afghans can’t live in Islamabad without NOC after Dec 31

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced that from December 31, no Afghan nationals will…

2 hours ago
  • Editorial

Ceasefire & Crossfire

The ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, two longstanding rivals, was welcomed by the people of…

2 hours ago