Extremism hampered progress

GILGIT, Nov 8: Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Mehdi Shah has said extremism and religious intolerance never allowed any nation to attain progress and prosperity. He said political forces should join hands to eliminate religious extremism and promote brotherhood and harmony in the region. The chief minister stated this while talking to a delegation of the Ismaili Regional Council here, says a press release. Mehdi Shah said the Ismaili Regional Council had always played a key role in the promotion of peace and tolerance and development of the region. He said leaders of all schools of thought should work for brotherhood and discourage those who promoted schism in society. He said religious leaders had no right to hurt the sentiments of other groups through their sermons and speeches. The chief minister hailed the role of the religious leaders in keeping peace in the region during Muharram. The members of the Ismaili Regional Council also appreciated the government for making foolproof security arrangements during Muharram.]]>