Islamabad, November 12, 2008: The Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms Sherry Rehman has said that President Asif Ali Zardari would be communicating a democratic Pakistan’s message for dialogue, interfaith harmony, and a just and peaceful world order, as he represents the country in the UN General Assembly’s Meeting on ‘Culture for Peace’ that starts today.

“Pakistan is now a democracy, and President Zardari’s participation in the Meeting, as the Head of the State, would make significant contribution to the efforts that seek to promote dialogue about religions, cultures and common values,” said Ms Sherry Rehman replying to media queries on President Zardari’s visit to the US for the purpose of the Meeting.

The Federal Information Minister said that the world has paid a heavy price for disengagement, an isolating approach and hegemonic order in international relations over the years. “Several parts of the world are battling the repercussions of conflicts that could have been avoided by way of respect and tolerance for each other’s cultures, and faiths. There is a dire need for each and every society of the world to make an effort to fill the gaps in communication and understanding, as these are threatening the very stability of a harmonious world order.”

The Federal Information Minister said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto led a number of initiatives to facilitate dialogue and bridge the ‘East-West Divide’ on perceptions. “Shaheed Mohtarma was regarded as a global leader for her immense contribution to the debate and efforts for promoting a tolerant international order. It was Shaheed Mohtarma’s constant engagement with the world leaders that dispelled the negative impressions about Islam as a religion. She worked tirelessly to facilitate the world’s understanding of the democratic aspirations of the Pakistani nation that was perceived as an ‘Islamic Country sliding towards extremism’.”

Ms Sherry Rehman said that Pakistan, as a nation, rejected its false projection as a religious intolerant country, as it voted for a democratic, progressive order in February 2008 elections. “Our efforts at combating global terrorism are reflection of our commitment to the world peace. This is the key message that President Zardari would be communicating to the global leaders in the Meeting. The Pakistani nation puts premium on humanity above everything else. We see ourselves an important part of an international order that promotes the shared values of peace, tolerance, dialogue, and respect for diverse cultures of the world.”