International Shah Hamdan Conference

By Pub - Associated Press of Pakistan - Pakistan

Thursday, January 4, 2007

Strong Cultural and Social ties exist between Pakistan and Tajikistan which should be further strengthened for enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of trade and commerce.

This was stated by Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas, Maj (R) Tahir Iqbal [picture] in a meeting with the Ambassador of Tajikistan, Said beg Saidbeg Saidov and a delegation of International Shah Hamdan Association led by Dr. Ghazanfar Mehdi.

The meeting was held to discuss arrangements for International Shah Hamdan Conference which will be jointly organized by Tajikistan and Pakistan this year as the great Sufi Scholar Shah Hamdan is equally famous for his spiritual influence in both the countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Tahir Iqbal said that such intellectual events should be organized with vigour and spirit as these are essential for forging unity among the Muslim Ummah and disseminating the message of peace and fraternity.

However, he said that one international conference should be held either in Pakistan or Tajikistan instead of separate events, where scholars and spiritual leaders should discuss and spread teachings and thoughts of the great Sufi saint for the benefit of the masses.

The Minister agreed to provide maximum support for the international conference and the national conferences to be held in Khalplv and Muzaffarabad.

He added that most of the spiritual loaders who spread the message of Islam in the Sub-continent have their roots in Central Asia that is why Pakistani society bears close resemblance to the Socio-cultural setup in these countries.

The Ambassador reciprocated the Minister's goodwill and urged the two countries should not only work together for promoting peace, cultural and religious harmony, but also collaborate in the fields of trade and business.

Dr. Ghazanfar Mehdi briefed the Minister about activities of international Shah Hamdan Association and requested him to continue patronizing its activities specifically for popularizing Shah Hamdan's exemplary spiritual and intellectual values.

Other members of delegation were Dr. Ahmed Hasan Dani, Professor, Dr. Riaz Ahmad, Director National Institute of Historical and Lecturer Research, Professor Ghulam Hayder, Alhaj M. Abbas Satpara, Saghir Abbas Hamdani and member NALC Haji Iqbal.