ASIA/PAKISTAN - During Advent, testimony of unity and interreligious cooperation to promote peaceful coexistence

Lahore (Agenzia Fides) – An interreligious delegation recently visited the Kahna Nau area, near Lahore, with the aim of fostering harmony and understanding between communities affected by violence and fear, after the episodes of interreligious tension that have occurred in recent weeks.
Led by Fr. Lazar Aslam OFM Cap, the delegation was composed of Pastor Asif Ehsan Khokar, Islamic scholar Mufti Syed Ashif Hussain and Chaudhry Kamran Pervez, president of the Punjab National Peace Committee.
The effort seeks to consolidate dialogue and peaceful coexistence after the episodes of interreligious tension recorded in early November. The trigger was a case of alleged blasphemy: a young drug addict from the Christian community, suffering from mental problems, set fire to his own house, unintentionally burning pages of the Koran and the Bible. This incident caused unrest in the local community and threats from young Muslims, causing fear among residents and Christian families.
However, thanks to the immediate intervention of religious leaders and the police, the situation was calmed before it escalated into more serious events. The Christian community expressed its gratitude for the rapid and coordinated action that guaranteed its safety and prevented a violent outcome (see Fides, 19/11/2024).
The interreligious delegation that visited the Kahna Nau area following recent episodes of interreligious tension reaffirmed its commitment to promoting harmony and dialogue as pillars for peaceful coexistence. Fr. Lazar Aslam OFM Cap told Fides: “Continued cooperation between religious communities in Pakistan is essential for lasting harmony. As Franciscans, we continue to work for peace through dialogue, convinced that this is the path to true harmony. In this time of Advent, a spiritual time of trusting prayer and peace, we want to show, united, to the local Christians our closeness, testifying that mutual respect between Muslims and Christians is essential for the good of Pakistan.”
The Muslim leaders present agreed, underlining that “only peaceful coexistence will guarantee a prosperous and harmonious future for Pakistan.” “As the Prophet Muhammad stressed in the Charter of Medina, interreligious harmony and dialogue are only possible on the basis of equality, respect and acceptance,” they said.
The members of the interreligious delegation confirmed that they will continue their efforts in Punjab to promote dialogue, mutual respect and interreligious harmony, “an essential approach to building and spreading a culture of peace and tolerance throughout Pakistan, starting with the younger generations.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 5/12/2024)

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