RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Isphanyar Bhandara on Wednesday hosted the annual minority lunch at his residence, bringing together representatives from a wide spectrum of religious communities in a show of unity and interfaith harmony.

The gathering was attended by members of the Sikh, Parsi, Baha’i, Kalasha, Buddhist, Hindu and Christian communities as well as prominent religious figures and public personalities.

Those present on the occasion included former Bishop Samuel Azariah, Administrative Senior Pastor of the Naulakha Presbyterian Church of Pakistan Dr Majid Abel and a leading figure among the Nath Panthi Yogis Guru Sukhdev.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bhandara expressed gratitude to the PML-N leadership for its continued commitment to an inclusive and representative Pakistan. He said such efforts reflected the ideals of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who envisioned a Pakistan where all citizens enjoy equal rights and opportunities regardless of faith.

The annual lunch has become a regular feature aimed at fostering dialogue, strengthening mutual respect, and celebrating Pakistan’s religious diversity. The participants appreciated the initiative as a meaningful platform for engagement among different faith communities and policymakers.

The event also saw the participation of sitting and former parliamentarians, including Naveed Amir Jeeva, Neelum Kumari, Asiya Nasir, Zammurd Khan, and Kamran Michael. Former members of provincial assemblies, including Gursaran Lal, Joel Amir Sahotra, and Wilson Wazir, were also in attendance.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2026