Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has emphasized the importance of Pakistan's rich Sufi heritage in promoting tolerance, dialogue and social harmony.

He was addressing the inauguration of the art exhibition "Sufism and Culture" in Islamabad today.

The Chairman said Pakistan possesses one of the richest Sufi traditions in the Muslim world, which has profoundly influenced the country's poetry, music, architecture, languages and folklore.

He observed that the enduring message of Sufism promotes respect, compassion and coexistence, values that are increasingly needed in today's world.