Pakistani religious affairs minister lauds Iron Brother China for offering real freedom to Muslims

Islamabad: Pakistani Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sahibzada Noorul Haq Qadri has appreciated Iron Brother China for offering real freedom to the Muslims living in the great country.

Speaking at a webinar titled “Xinjiang is a Beautiful and Unique Area” hosted by Chinese ambassador Nong Rong, he said China guaranteed protection of religious freedom to Muslims residing there through its laws.

“I really appreciate the Chinese government for ensuring liberty to the Muslims in performing religious rituals such as Hajj (pilgrimage), and observing sacred months like Ramzan (fasting month) and other festivals,” he mentioned.

Qadri pointed out that the peoples of Pakistan had a religious and cultural connection with the people of the Xinjiang. “There are some 24,000 beautiful mosques in the (Chinese) area that currently represent religious and ethnic harmony,” he remarked.

The minister praised the Chinese government for felicitating standard translations of the Holy Quran and collection of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)’s traditions Sahih Bukhari in different Chinese languages for the benefit of Muslims. Qadri also refered to the establishment of Islamic School in Xinjiang.

Qadri expressed the hope that these facilities would help promoting religious education and Islamic principles. “The people of Pakistan have a lot of love and devotion for China and the Chinese people. Pakistan has religious and cultural affiliation with the people of China,” he added.

Qadri mainatined that the importance of Chinese province of Xinjiang had increased manifold due to its close proximity with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“The economic and social development of Xinjiang, a beautiful blend of Central Asian and Middle Eastern culture, has improved the living standards of its residents,” he stated.

Top Xinjiang officials gave a detailed briefing on the socio-economic development of the local population. National Assembly Asad Qaiser, Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri and Senator Faisal Javed also spoke on the occasion.