President Asif Ali Zardari called on religious scholars across the Muslim world to promote unity and counter extremism on May 7, 2026 [1].
The appeal highlights Pakistan's effort to lead a diplomatic and ideological shift against radicalization by engaging the global clerical community. By positioning religious scholars as the primary agents of change, the administration seeks to decouple faith from violent extremism.
Zardari spoke at the sixth [2] International Paigham-e-Islam conference, a moot designed to foster cooperation among Muslim leaders. During the event, he said that scholars must play a proactive role in projecting the true message of Islam as one of peace [3].
The president said that unity is essential to tackle the various challenges currently facing the Muslim world [1]. He said that the collective effort of religious leaders is required to dismantle the narratives used by extremists to justify violence [3].
This conference serves as a platform for discussing national security and the stability of the region. The event concluded with a renewed focus on how religious unity can contribute to broader security goals within Pakistan and across international borders [2].
Zardari said that the global community must recognize the peaceful nature of the faith to counter negative perceptions. He said the attendees should work toward a unified front that prioritizes harmony over sectarian division [1].
“President Asif Ali Zardari called on religious scholars across the Muslim world to promote unity and counter extremism.”
This initiative reflects Pakistan's strategic use of 'soft power' to combat domestic and regional instability. By leveraging the Paigham-e-Islam framework, the government is attempting to create a theological bulwark against extremism, signaling to the international community that it is addressing the root ideological causes of terrorism rather than relying solely on military measures.
