Moderates call on silent majority to combat extremism

July 23, 2010 - PRLog -- Karachi: ”The recent cold and callous murders of two Christian boys and seven members of a Hindu family are heinous crimes designed to further divide Pakistan along religious and communal lines. It is tragedies like these that distort Pakistan’s image, projecting it as a nation of totally intolerant people, which is contrary to the disposition of the average Pakistani,” said Jawaid Iqbal, Chairman Moderates, a private sector think tank dedicated to strengthening tolerance, interfaith harmony and democracy in Pakistan.

”Acts like these are not only against the spirit of Islam - a religion based on peace - but also destroy the essence of nationalism instilled in us by our Quaid,” he remarked. He denounced the extremists’ actions as gruesome and intolerant attacks on innocent civilians, and urged the majority of ordinary peace-loving citizens to break their silence and publicly work towards condemning such acts.

”The peaceful, simple and tolerant citizens are our only hope to counter these fanatic activities and they must come forward to initiate a mass revolution against the terrorist elements plaguing our country,” he said.

About Moderates:
Moderates, established in 2003, is a private sector Think Tank strengthening tolerance, interfaith harmony and democracy. It encompasses individuals from prominent circles such as academia, business, social and political sciences, as well as religious scholars of major schools of thought, to promote the axiom: ‘Changing Attitudes – Enhancing Values’. More details are available at: www.moderates.com.pk.

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About Moderates:
Moderates, established in 2003, is a private sector Think Tank strengthening tolerance, interfaith harmony and democracy. It encompasses individuals from prominent circles such as academia, business, social and political sciences, as well as religious scholars of major schools of thought, to promote the axiom: ‘Changing Attitudes – Enhancing Values’. More details are available at: www.moderates.com.pk.