By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Continuing the series of events to pay tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces on the occasion of Minority Week and Independence Day, the Government of Punjab, in collaboration with the United Interfaith Organization, organized the “Interfaith, Peace & Harmony Conference” at Alhamra Hall, Lahore.
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The objective of the conference was to promote interfaith harmony, national unity, and acknowledge the sacrifices of the Armed Forces.
The chief guest of the event was Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora. The conference was attended by scholars from various schools of thought, representatives of religious minorities, members of civil society, and a large number of youth.
The event formally commenced with the national anthem, followed by opening remarks by Rev. Dr. Majeed Abel, who stated: today, we all want to send a clear message to our brave and fearless Armed Forces that the people of Pakistan stand firmly by them at all times.
The session was moderated by Javed William. In his address, Ramesh Singh Arora said that it was a matter of great pride that Pakistan’s minority communities are proving their professional excellence in every field of life, and many are serving in the Armed Forces to defend our beloved homeland.”
He added that Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, has described minorities as “the crown of her head” and, for the first time, decided to celebrate Minority Week across the province in connection with Minority Day. “On May 10, during Operation Bunyān Mersūs, the Battle of Truth — Pakistan achieved a great victory, sending a strong message to the world that Pakistan is not only well-defended but also a promoter of peace. In our country, religious minorities are completely safe and enjoy equal rights.”
The minister emphasized that fostering tolerance, patience, and positive attitudes is essential for the nation’s progress.
Chairman Kul masalik board Maulana Asim Makhdum, said that “Celebrating Minority Week alongside Independence Day sends a clear message to the world that we are all Pakistanis, united under one flag.”
Other speakers, including Khateeb Data Darbar, Ramzan Sialvi, and Dr. Taimoor Khan, paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and stressed the need for interfaith harmony. During the event, Faces Pakistan presented national songs and screened a short video titled “People Like the Flag”,(parcham Jaisia log) portraying a beautiful reflection of love, unity, and interfaith harmony in Pakistan. A panel discussion followed, featuring Maulana Israr Madni, Dr. Kalyan Singh Kalyan, Rev. Sister Genevieve, Ram Lal, and Pandit Rakesh Chand, who shared practical suggestions for promoting interfaith harmony.
In his concluding remarks, Secretary for Human Rights, Fareed Ahmed Tarar, thanked the participants and praised the United Interfaith Organization’s team for organizing the event, expressing hope that such initiatives would continue, enabling all stakeholders to collectively advance the journey of peace.
The event concluded with Ramesh Singh Arora presenting awards to individuals who have played a prominent role in promoting interfaith harmony.
Notable attendees included Sardar Bishan Singh, Sardar Kalyan Singh, Amarnath Randhawa, Sister Genevieve, along with scholars, minority representatives, civil society members, and a large number of youth from various communities.
