RAWALPINDI: Speakers on Monday stressed the need for promoting interfaith harmony in Pakistan, terming it pivotal to face the prevailing challenges in the society.

Speaking at the ‘Christmas Interfaith Get-Together’ titled ‘Stepping towards Peace Building and Interfaith Harmony’ organised by Archbishop of Rawalpindi and Islamabad Dr Joseph Arshad, the participants highlighted intolerance, violence, extremism and economic crisis as the biggest challenges currently being faced by the country.

The participants while giving examples from their respective religions and history quoted a number of incidents to emphasise that all religions preached love, peace and humanity.

They were of the view that those spreading hatred and carrying out terrorist activities in the country did not have any religion and did not even deserve to be called a human being.

They called for constant dialogue among people of different faiths and vowed to continue to play their role in promoting interfaith harmony which, they said, would also help end the present polarisation in the society.

Welcoming the guests, Father Sarfraz Simon presented a number of similarities in Islam and Christianity and stated that there were many verses in the Holy Quran about the birth of Hazrat Isa and his teachings.

He said since Islam and Christianity shared a number of teachings, therefore, the followers of both religions should work for promoting interfaith harmony for peaceful co-existence.

The speakers also called for encouraging people of all beliefs to participate in ceremonies held on various religious occasions, adding that Muslims should not be hesitant in celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ and similarly Christians and those belonging to other religions should also take part in Eid Miladun Nabi events.

Published in Dawn, December 20th, 2022