This morning the President of Pakistan  Asif Ali Zardari met a delegation of the Community of Sant’Egidio lead by the President Marco Impagliazzo.

               During the meeting, Impagliazzo explained to the President of Pakistan, the international commitment of Sant'Egidio. He also spoke about the action of the Community in Pakistan (there are various communties in the country) for the poor, the growth of internal dialogue and the support of the Christian minority of the country. During the discussion various issues were raised: coexistence, minorities - with special reference to Christians - and dialogue between religions.

Marco Impagliazzo asked for the amendment of the blasphemy law, to prevent any abuse and any manipulation by extremists.

President Zardari has asked the cooperation of the Community of Sant'Egidio to strengthen the National Conference for Dialogue between religions so to  turn it into an international event. Zardari thanked the Community of Sant'Egidio for its commitment to peace and reconciliation.
The meeting was also attended by the Pakistani Minister for Minorities, the Catholic Shabaz Bhatti.