KARACHI: Representatives of different faiths and communities expressed the importance of understanding and harmony among people of all faiths at a conference organised by the Catholic Commission for Inter-religious Dialogue and Ecumenism (CCIDE) of the Archdiocese of Karachi at the St Patrick’s College here on Monday evening.

Speaking on the occasion, secretary of CCIDE Kashif Anthony said that for years there had been a diversity of people from different faiths living together in Pakistan and he had learned from his elders how to live in harmony amid all faiths and cultures.

“Being a Christian, my mother, during Christmas or Easter, collects money from my brother and I to prepare platters of traditional Christian delicacies and sweets for herself to take to all the houses in our neighbourhood. Then on Bakra Eid, our freezers are also full of meat sent to us from our neighbours,” he said.

Riaz Ahmed Sherazi, representative of the Bahai community, said the progress in science and technology had brought the world closer together. “There is a need to keep our minds open and allow space for all,” he said.

Zehra Shallwani, representative of the Ismaili community, said that Pakistan is a melting pot of civilisations and cultures.

She spoke of Mehrgarh, Mohenjo Daro and Gandhara, which show linkages of all races and cultures. “We must study our ancient sites and learn from history about our similarities rather than our differences,” she said.

Mufti Abu Bakar Mohiuddin of Jamia Islamia, Clifton, said that he had heard from his elders how we used to live with Parsis, Christians, Hindus and Sikh communities here.

“The language of love brings everyone together. And our faith gives us the message of love and peace,” he said.

Valentina Gomez, a teacher, said that they taught children to take time out from their routine to pray and think about how to live in peace and unity. “The golden rule here is to do unto others as you would like them to do to you. Following this rule will make us one,” she said.

Retired Justice Shoaib Arshad said that hatred and intolerance, prevalent in our times, were what broke us apart. “Interfaith harmony calls for effort. The thing is to change old mindsets and open minds,” he said.

Sardar Magan Singh, president of Sikh Youth Council spoke about Guru Nanak’s great teachings about humanity.

Father Shahzad Arshad, parish priest of St Thomas Church, Malir said that every religion is a religion of peace.

Maulana Agha Hussain Masoodi appreciated CCIDE for holding an interfaith conference. “Such conferences help in spreading awareness,” he said.

Dr Allama Shah Ferozuddin Rehmani said that our faiths bring us together instead of separating us.

Pervez Bhatti, representing HRCP and Shehri said that Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah had ensured people from all faiths of freedom and rights in Pakistan.

“But the Quaid’s vision was not carried forward. We are told that we are equal citizens of this country but tell me, can a non-Muslim can be a president or prime minister of Pakistan? In India, a person from any faith can be the president or prime minister, in London, you have a Muslim mayor, but what about here? We are still too focused on our differences,” he said.

Later, while giving the vote of thanks, Reverend Father Shakeel Gulzar, director of CCIDE, urged everyone to remain positive at all times and not pay attention to the minor things that may cause harm to unity. “Our flag, which includes a white part for the minorities, brings us together,” he said.

Sister Fazeelat, who runs an old age home, also spoke.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2024