High profile figures of the Pakistani government and interfaith leaders spoke at an International Conference held at the Minhaj ul Quran centre in Newham on Wednesday 17th March 2010.

Guests included Shaykh al-Sayyid Hamid Saeed al-Kazmi - Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Barrister Rubab Mehdi Rizwi – Chairperson International Imam al-Hussayn Council, Imam Qalb `Abbas – Shia Muslim Community, Ayatullah Muhammad al-Musawi – Renowned Iraqi Scholar and President World Ahl al-Bayt Islamic League, Shaykh Muhammad Sadiq Qurayshi – Minhaj ul Quran International centre in Forest Gate, Reverend David Mcindoe and Father Matlub Barnabas of St Emmanuel’s Church in Forest Gate.

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs al-Sayyid Hamid Saeed al-Kazmi branded the recent spate of suicidal attacks in Pakistan as “indiscriminate killing” regardless if someone is young, old, women, children, or innocent. Shaykh Kazmi said: “This is a distorted picture of Islam that is being presented to the world.” He said: “None of this occurred in the 1500 year history of Islam. How could that which never occurred in the 1500 year history of Islam be part of Islam today? This has never been practiced in Islam’s 1500 year history … this cannot be accepted.” He added: “This is a distorted picture of Islam which is being presented by a conspiracy.” Shaykh Kazmi’s arrival to the UK comes, following an attempt on his life by terrorists in Pakistan. Al-Sayyid Kazmi is receiving private treatment in London following a gunshot to his leg.

Al-Sayyid Hamid al-Kazmi said in the case of Pakistan no suicide bomber or terrorist presents theological evidence from the Quran or Sunna – Prophetic traditions for their actions. We learn that they are deprived of the knowledge of Islam and disconnected from the essence of Islam and its true spirit. They have no knowledge of al-Quran or Ahadith “They are brainwashed and whatsoever is put in their minds is seen as ‘Islam’ and they dwell after it” said Kazmi.

Faithful Friend’s Newham Representative Father Matlub Barnabas said: “Imam Sadiq Qureshi is one of our close friends with whom we endeavour to work together for peace, harmony and for the correct understanding of religion and humanity.” Father Barnabas said terrorist sell themselves, their time and skills and become brainwashed by dwelling after their vain desires.

Father Barnabas added: “Jesus neither Muhammad raised the sword. Muhammad may have used self defence. However, he did not shed blood.” He further said: “If we believe in them and follow them, then we must not become enemies of each other. This is the purpose of Faithful Friends. This is work of Faithful Friends carried out in the local area without hesitation. We come together sometimes in a Mosque, Church, Temple and Gurdwara – we all come together to think and discuss initiatives to help each other according to our beliefs without hesitation to walk the divine path, leading us to create harmony.”

Leading Shia Muslim Scholar al-Sayyid `Ali Rada al-Rizwi told listeners: “The coming of the Holy Prophet is one of the most important events in the history of mankind