Al-Azhar Grand Imam, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received today, Saturday, at Al-Azhar headquarters, a Pakistani delegation headed by Dr. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Minister of Religious Affairs of Pakistan. His Eminence the Grand Imam said that Al-Azhar spares no effort to serve the issues of the Arab and Muslim nation, and that Al-Azhar’s coordination and cooperation with various religious institutions, bodies and religious scholars all over the world serves the issues of the Muslims, their unity and interdependence, and supports enhancing the true message of Islam. The Grand Imam stressed the importance of joint work between religious scholars in order to preserve the security and safety of societies and keep pace with the challenges, with the need to work to consolidate the principles of dialogue, peaceful coexistence and respect for religious symbols and sanctities. 

The Pakistani Minister of Religious Affairs, for his part, expressed his deep appreciation for the role Al-Azhar plays in leading the global efforts in the field of dialogue between the followers of different religions and in combating extremism through its scientific and educational bodies, envoys and graduates outside Egypt. Mr. Qadri added that Pakistan is always keen to benefit from the fatwas of Al-Azhar scholars, especially the fatwas that address contemporary issues. He noted that the Ministry has prepared a book on dealings between Muslims and non-Muslims and is preparing to present it to Al-Azhar and translate into many languages, within the framework of promoting and consolidating the principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for the others.