A three day International Conference titled “The Role of Islam and Budhism in Promoting World Peace and Harmony” organized by Abdul Wali Khan University in collaboration with Society of Asian Civilization Pakistan, started off today at Islamabad.

Dr. Sajid Mehmood Awan, Research Fellow, National Institute of Historical & Cultural Research Studies, Quiad-i-Azam University Islamabad and Dr. David. R. Jones, HEC Foreign Professor National Institute of Historical & Cultural Research Studies, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, are the conference rapporteurs.

The International Conference started off with recitation from the Holy Quran by Dr. Hafiz Salihuddin, Chairman Department of Islamic Studies, AWKUM. Mr. Firdaus Alam, Chairperson Academics, Society of Civilizations Pakistan presented the opening remarks while Dr. Abdul Basit, Patron Society of Civilization Pakistan presented the welcome address.

Vice Chancellor, Abdul Wali Khan University, Prof. Dr. Ihsan Ali presented the Key-Note Address I. Dr. Pornchai Pinyapong, President World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth, Bangkok, Thailand presented the Key-Note Address II. Prof. Dr. Z. A. Qureshi, Present SOC ended the 1st day of the conference with a vote of thanks to the Key-Note speakers, participants and guests. Prof. Dr. SO Gilsu, Director of Pure Land Buddhist Association, Seoul, Republic of Korea, was also part of the conference. Mr. H. E. Tomwit Jarnson, Ambassador of Royal Kingdom of Thailand was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Various scholars presented their papers on the 1st day of the conference. Mrs. Uzma Khalid Ghori, University of Wah, presented her paper on “Ambassador of Peace Religions: Islamic and Buddhist Views about Global Peace”, Dr. Tanvir Anjum, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Quiad-i-Azam University Islamabad presented his paper on “The Religious ‘Other’ in the Sufi Worldview”, Dr. Petcharat Lovichakorntikul, School of Management, Shinawatra International University, Thailand, presented his paper on “Economic Community AEC in 2015” and Dr. Ijaz Akram, Associate Professor (Religion & Politics) Humanities & Social Sciences Department, University of Management Sciences, Lahore, presented his paper on “Zen Buddhism & Sufism: Twins of One Tao”

Prof. Dr. Ihsan Ali, while addressing the gather on the opening day of the International Conference reiterated that Islam is the religion of peace and it preaches peace. He further said that peace is a primary component for any country or society to prosper He added that irrespective of our ethnicity, religion, cast and creed we must join hands and strive to ensure global peace.

Prof. Dr. Ihsan Ali also presented a paper titled “Buddhism as tool for promoting global peace” in the conference.