The Enlightenment
Reprinted
NZ Humanist 2000 146/147
THE ENLIGHTENMENT
PAKISTAN
A STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES
- We are committed to the application of Reason and Science to the
understanding of the universe, and to the solving of human problems; and
here we are engaged by Arts no less than by Sciences, by Environment no
less than by Ethics, by Culture and Tradition no less than by Modernism
and Rationality.
- We believe in an Open and Pluralistic Society; and that the Responsible
and Accountable form of Democracy is the form of Government that
guarantees the protection of Human Rights and Civil Liberties from
totalitarian regimens and repressive majorities.
- We are committed to the principle of separation of religion and state
{while precisely defining the limits of religion}.
- We believe in the cultivation of moral excellence for us and for our
children; with special reference to moral decencies like Altruism,
Integrity, Honesty, Truthfulness, Responsibility, and Civic sense.
- We believe in the Culture of Peace and Tolerance; and stand for Equal
Opportunities, Social Justice, Respect and Dignity for all loyal citizens
of a State, male or female, irrespective of race, religion, gender,
nationality, colour, creed, class or ethnicity.
- We affirm HUMANISM as the Liberal and Secular way of life ? an
alternative to fundamentalism, dogmatism, narrow-mindedness,
sectarianism, violence and political interference of organized religions.
And believing in the fullest realization of the best and noblest that we
are capable of as Human Beings, and in enjoying life here in this very
world; and in developing our talent to the fullest.