Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain has called for promoting tolerance and understanding to create a world where all people regardless of their faith can live in harmony and peace.

Addressing the opening ceremony of Gandhara Symposium here in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said we must stand united against extremism and injustice recognizing that diversity is the strength.

The Minister stressed the importance of intercultural and interfaith dialogue to deal with challenges like extremism. He said our heritage puts us in unique a position to promote dialogue and cooperation among all faiths.

The Minister also commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its exceptional efforts in organizing the symposium. Earlier, the Minister received foreign delegations and Buddhist leaders from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, South Korea, Sri Lanka and China.

Sri Lankan Minister for Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayaka was also among the visiting delegates. It is pertinent to mention that the Gandhara Art was also exhibited at the symposium.