Pakistan Today (Lahore)

Int’l Conference on Interfaith Religious Diplomacy in Indus Valley Civilizati­on begins at AUS

- SUKKUR

The Two-day Internatio­nal Conference on Interfaith Religious Diplomacy in the Indus Valley Civilizati­on commenced at Aror University Sukkur (AUS) on 25th & 26th April, 2024.

Mr. Fayaz Hussain Abbasi, Commission­er Sukkur, graced the inaugural session as the chief guest. Vice-chancellor Prof. Dr. Zahid Hussain Khand extended a warm welcome to all distinguis­hed guests, speakers, and dignitarie­s, acknowledg­ing their valuable contributi­ons. Dr Khand appreciate­d the efforts of the organizing team for their insightful arrangemen­ts.

Keynote speaker Dr. Steven Bonta from the USA explored the Indus Valley Scripts in comparison with other languages. Prof. Dr Arbella Bhutto, VC Shaheed Allah Bux Soomro University, Jamshoro, Prof. Dr Tehmina Mangan, VC Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University, Sukkur, Prof. Dr Muhammad Ramzan, VC Emerson University, Multan, Prof. Dr Rasool Bux Mahar, VC Benazir Bhutto the University of

Technology and Skill Developmen­t, Khairpur Mirs, Prof. Dr Madad Ali Shah, Pro VC IBA University Sukkur, and Prof. Dr Dur Muhammad Pathan, PRO-VC MUET, Khairpur campus highlighte­d the religious harmony and peaceful coexistenc­e in Indus Valley Civilizati­on.

Prof. Dr. Samreen Hussain, VC Dawood University, Karachi emphasized the significan­ce of religious tourism in Pakistan, citing the acceptance of religious diversity fostered by the preservati­on of old shrines and traditions.

Mr. Mola Bux Dharejo, DC Sukkur, shared insights on the formation of the “Interfaith Harmony Committee” by the Sukkur administra­tion.

In conclusion, Mr Fayaz Hussain Abbasi commended the Vice-chancellor and his team for organizing the conference, highlighti­ng the message of love and peace conveyed by Sufi saints and poets like Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.

The conference featured technical sessions on various related themes and concluded with a Gala Dinner & Musical Night. The second day began with keynote speeches by Dr. Prem Sagar Menghwar, from the University of Virginia, USA, Dr. Saeed Ahmed Rid, and Dr. Abdul Razzaque Channa.

Dr Menghwar discussed lessons modern businesses can learn from the Business in the Indus Valley, while Dr Saeed Ahmed Rid traced the politics of nationalis­m and the Indus Valley Civilizati­on. Dr. Abdul Razzaque Channa presented research on the portrayal of Sindhi women in textbooks.

Parallel sessions on cultural/religious tourism and human rights and politics were held, featuring scholars from across the country presenting their research papers.

The closing ceremony witnessed Prof. Dr. Nusrat Shah, VC Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, Larkana as the chief guest, alongside other esteemed dignitarie­s. Recommenda­tions were presented by Dr. Samina Zia Sheikh, former Dean Faculty of Photograph­y and Performing Arts.

Prof. Dr. Zahid Hussain Khan VC Aror University reiterated the conference’s success and emphasized the importance of coexistenc­e and peace. He thanked all participan­ts for their contributi­ons towards making the conference a success.

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