ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday called upon religious scholars from across the Muslim world to promote unity, counter extremism, and project Islam’s message of peace. Speaking at the Sixth International Paigham-e-Islam Conference 2026, attended by leaders and delegates from Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, President Zardari highlighted the challenges faced by the Muslim world, including conflicts and divisions, and urged a collective effort to address these issues.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, President Zardari discussed recent developments in West Asia that have affected regional stability and distorted the global perception of Islam. He underscored the importance of combating both external misrepresentation and internal sectarianism. Emphasizing Islam’s teachings of peace and humanity, he called for practical and intellectual guidance from religious scholars to foster harmony and coexistence.

The president also reiterated Pakistan’s stance on key foreign policy issues, including support for an independent state of Palestine and peaceful resolution of South Asian disputes, notably Jammu and Kashmir. He praised the efforts of Saudi leaders in promoting unity within the Muslim Ummah and addressed the need for peace in Afghanistan.

Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council, Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, emphasized the conference’s focus on global dialogue and Pakistan’s leadership role in promoting unity. Mufti-e-Azam of Palestine, Muhammad Ahmed Hussein, and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki highlighted the centrality of the Palestine issue and the importance of unity among Muslim countries. Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties within the Ummah and promoting Islam’s true image globally.