Islamabad: Pakistan and Egypt have agreed to enhance their cooperation in the field of religious education, signaling a commitment to deepen their bilateral ties across various areas of mutual interest. This development came during a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and the Egyptian Ambassador, Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan, held at the minister’s office on Tuesday.
Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain emphasized Pakistan’s intent to bolster its relationship with Egypt, particularly in the realm of religious education. He highlighted the importance of collaboration in this field as a means to foster greater understanding and shared values between the two nations. The meeting underscored the shared vision of enhancing educational exchanges and leveraging religious institutions for broader social and spiritual guidance.
During the discussions, both parties explored various strategies to strengthen bilateral relations. A significant part of the conversation revolved around the exchange of mutual studies aimed at enhancing the roles of mosques (Masaajid) as centers of religious, spiritual, and social guidance, as well as providers of essential social services. This initiative is seen as a way to deepen the societal impact of religious institutions in both countries.
Ambassador Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan highlighted Egypt’s ongoing efforts to contribute to religious education in Pakistan. He informed the minister about the establishment of an educational institution in Punjab, affiliated with the renowned Al-Azhar University in Cairo. This institution aims to impart high-quality religious education and foster academic exchange between the two countries. He also noted that eleven Egyptian professors are currently teaching in various faculties at the International Islamic University in Islamabad, further strengthening academic and cultural ties.
In addition to these educational initiatives, the ambassador extended an invitation to Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain to attend an upcoming conference focused on the role of women in building societal awareness. This conference is expected to provide a platform for discussing and promoting gender-inclusive approaches to religious education and community leadership.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing a strong commitment to continue working closely to enhance their cooperation. This collaboration is expected to pave the way for more comprehensive and effective religious education programs, benefiting both nations and contributing to their shared goals of social harmony and spiritual development.
As Pakistan and Egypt move forward with their plans to enhance cooperation in religious education, the partnership is anticipated to bring about significant benefits. By fostering a deeper understanding and collaboration in this critical area, both countries aim to promote peace, tolerance, and mutual respect, thereby strengthening the bonds between their peoples and contributing to a more harmonious global community.
