Delegation Focuses on Enhancing Interfaith Harmony, Religious Cooperation, and Strengthening China-Pakistan Ties.
Urumqi, Xinjiang: A high-level delegation of Pakistani religious and political leaders, led by Barrister Dr. Muhammad Ali Saif, has arrived in Urumqi, the capital of China’s Xinjiang province. The visit is part of a collaborative initiative between the Chinese government and Pakistan’s International Research Council for Religious Affairs (IRCRA) to enhance interfaith harmony and mutual understanding.
During the visit, the delegation met with religious leaders at the Islamic Association of Xinjiang, where discussions were held on promoting religious harmony and fostering joint efforts for peace and cooperation.
Mr. Mamat Ali, Vice President of the Islamic Association of Xinjiang, briefed the delegation and shared that Muslims in the region are freely practicing their religion. He highlighted the presence of hundreds of mosques and religious schools where Islamic teachings based on the Qur’an and Sunnah are imparted. He further noted that Xinjiang has not witnessed any terrorist incidents in the past ten years and is now a peaceful region.
Barrister Dr. Saif expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for the warm welcome extended to the delegation. He praised the efforts of the Islamic Association of Xinjiang in promoting religious understanding. Dr. Saif also introduced the “Paigham-e-Pakistan” initiative, informing the hosts that nearly 6,000 scholars in Pakistan have endorsed this narrative aimed at countering extremism and promoting peace.
Both sides agreed to jointly work towards enhancing religious harmony and deepening cooperation between Pakistan and China in the religious and socio-cultural spheres.
Earlier in the day, the delegation visited the historic Shanxi Mosque and the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi. They also toured various local institutions, including the Hi-Tech Plant Factory Technology Development Co. Ltd., Yugen Street South Community, and Hejiashan Street.
The delegation attended a special exhibition on counter-terrorism and anti-extremism at the Xinjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center. Chinese officials briefed them on the government’s efforts in combating extremism and highlighted the region’s progress in social rehabilitation and economic development post-terrorism.
It was noted that diverse religious and ethnic communities in Xinjiang are now coexisting peacefully and playing a vital role in regional development.
This visit marks a significant step in strengthening mutual trust and promoting shared values between China and Pakistan.