200 Sikh pilgrims / Yatri along with Sardar Jitander Singh and Sardar Khosindar Singh Bhattia participated from India.
Pakistan champions peaceful diplomacy, embracing Islamic principles of love, tolerance in relations with neighbours

On Dec 3,2023 Hafiz Tahir Mehmood, Chairman Pakistan Ulama Council organized grand interfaith harmony conference at Lahore and in this conference 200 Sikh pilgrims / Yatri along with Sardar Jitander Singh and Sardar Khosindar Singh Bhattia participated from India. Distinguished speakers emphasized these values at the Interfaith Harmony Conference. First interfaith Christmas Cake cut in Lahore, Pakistan. Muslim, Christian, Hindu and over 200 Sikh Yatri / pilgrim from India joined share the joy and peace of Christmas. The conference, led by Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, President of the International Interfaith Harmony Council, Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council, and Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Religious Harmony, saw contributions from leaders such as Sardar Ranjit Singh, Fr. James Channan OP, Syed Zia Ullah Shah Bukhari, Sohail Ahmed Raza, Pastor Emmanuel Khokhar, Pandit Kashi Ram, Rana Shahid, Maulana Aslam Siddiqui, Syed Ali Raza, and others.
The conference further welcomed diplomatic representatives from the United States, Turkey, and various other countries, fostering international collaboration and understanding.

Fr. James Channan OP gave a message of peace, harmony and respect for all at this grand conference. He stressed the need for collective efforts from all stakeholders to promote interfaith harmony in the country, as it is the key pillar of development. He said that our goal is to bring together a diverse array of religious scholars and leaders from various faiths, all united under the common goal of promoting harmony and thwarting divisive agendas. He said the most important thing for interfaith harmony was mutual respect between religious denominations and the acceptance of others, nor should they attack the religion and beliefs of others.

The religious scholars and leaders said the pursuit of peace is not a sign of weakness. Both the government and the people of Pakistan deeply respect the sanctity of all religions, extending a warm welcome to Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists, and followers of other faiths.

The conference’s collective statement underscored that Islam rejects any notion of coercion or conversion. Engaging in such acts is not only contrary to Islamic teachings but also violates the laws of Pakistan, warranting legal action against the perpetrator.

In the present context, they said fostering dialogue among followers of diverse religions is essential. Pakistan warmly embraces Sikh pilgrims during the commemoration of Baba Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary. Let us designate 2024 as a year dedicated to peace, love, tolerance, and interfaith harmony, promoting unity and understanding among all.

Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi emphasized that Sikh pilgrims are encouraged to visit Pakistan and experience the love extended to them in this country. Regarding the challenges faced by the Christian community in Jaranwala, collective efforts were made to seek forgiveness, he said adding that traveling to Pakistan should pose no concerns; the government has actively facilitated the establishment of temples and churches across the country.  He reiterated that Pakistan is inclusive for people of all religions and welcomes visits at any time. Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi expressed the state’s commitment to ensuring maximum convenience for both Muslims and non-Muslims, suggesting the use of “Muslims and non-Muslims” instead of the term “minority.”

He affirmed that the Constitution of Pakistan safeguards the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations. Leaders of various faiths share equal rights granted by the constitution, he added.

Expressing a desire to live harmoniously with neighbouring nations, Ashrafi noted the Kartarpur border’s opening as a gesture toward peace. Furthermore, he clarified that Islam does not support forced marriage or conversion, emphasizing the principles of choice and tolerance within the faith.

He said Pakistan always whole-heartedly welcomed all religious tourists coming from across the world. Kartarpur Corridor was made operational as a gesture of peace and the Sikh pilgrims were invited to visits their holy places in Pakistan. He mentioned that Muslim religious leaderships were also playing their effective role for promotion of interfaith harmony in the country, adding that Islam always advocates peace as forced marriages and forced conversions of religion was prohibited in Islam.

Reported by:
Asher Nazir