Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, has stressed the importance of collaboration between Pakistan and Oman in promoting religious harmony, peace, and tolerance through interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

During his three-day visit to Oman, Salik made these remarks while meeting with his Omani counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Said bin Khalfan Al Mamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs. He emphasized that the challenges facing the Muslim world today necessitate fostering unity, tolerance, and religious harmony, particularly in the current global environment.

He underscored that dialogue between religions and civilizations is vital for achieving global peace and that Islamic teachings emphasize respect and tolerance.

Salik commended Oman’s security forces for their swift response to a mosque attack in Muscat in July, preventing further escalation. He proposed initiatives such as scholar and expert exchanges, along with joint conferences and seminars on key religious topics, to deepen the understanding of Islamic teachings.

He also suggested the establishment of student exchange programs between religious institutions in Pakistan and Oman, with a focus on Shariah, Quranic teachings, and Islamic history.

The two ministers discussed strategies to combat rising trends of religious intolerance, terrorism, and sectarianism, while promoting peace and interfaith harmony. They agreed to enhance cooperation in countering extremism and to work together on improving the curriculum of religious schools (madrasas) in alignment with modern Islamic teachings.