ISLAMABAD : — The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), in collaboration with the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Pakistan and the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), organised a seminar titled “Interfaith Dialogue: Outcomes of the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.” The event convened leading religious scholars, government representatives, diplomats, and academics to deliberate on global initiatives promoting peace, religious tolerance, and mutual understanding.
Distinguished speakers at the seminar—including Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Mr. Muhammad Sardar Yousaf, State Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Kesoo Mal Kheal Das, Provincial Minister for Minorities, Mr. Ramesh Singh Arora, Kazakh officials, representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ (U.S.) including Mr. Kelly Johnson, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Director General of the Islamic Research Institute (IRI)—delivered messages advocating interfaith harmony and cooperation. They collectively emphasised that collaboration among diverse faiths and cultures is indispensable to promoting peaceful coexistence.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of the Institute of Regional Studies, underscored the growing need for sustained interfaith dialogue in a world increasingly shaped by polarisation and conflict. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing religious harmony and applauded Kazakhstan’s leadership in establishing impactful platforms such as the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
Ambassador Saleem stressed that open and meaningful engagement among faith communities is vital to building trust, dispelling misconceptions, and fostering peaceful coexistence.
Delivering his welcome address, H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, reiterated Kazakhstan’s longstanding dedication to global peace and interreligious cooperation. He noted that the 8th Congress, held in Astana, reflects Kazakhstan’s belief that dialogue is the only sustainable path to a peaceful and stable world order.
Ambassador Kistafin highlighted the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual ties between Kazakhstan and Pakistan, describing collaboration on interfaith initiatives as both natural and mutually enriching. He emphasised that the “Spirit of Astana” continues to inspire nations to uphold values of tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
The seminar reviewed the key outcomes of the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana on 17–18 September 2025. Attended by eminent spiritual leaders and experts from over 100 countries, the Congress centred on the theme of peace as humanity’s most essential value and called for enhanced dialogue amid escalating global tensions.
The seminar attracted a diverse audience, including diplomats, researchers, journalists, and students from prominent academic institutions.
