The representatives from different faiths paid rich tribute to the services of prominent social activist and humanitarian late Abdul Sattar Edhi during a festival for interfaith harmony held at Peshawar.
The festival was organised by Peace Education And Development (PEAD) foundation in collaboration with Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) under the project “Joint Social Action for Equal Rights and Opportunities for minorities in Pakistan” at Peshawar Club, Saddar.
On the occasion, woman district member Rabia Basri, trade union leader Khalid Ayub, Hayatabad Dar-ul-Karim Madrassa organiser (mohtamim) Hasan Farooque Madni, NCA project manager Imran Munir, human rights activist Auguston Jacob, Robina Moin from Minhajul Quran Peshawar, Priest Joseph John, Jamaat-e-Islami Minority Wing President Javed, PEAD representative Faisal Jalil, and a large number of women and children were present.
Addressing the occasion, PEAD project coordinator Shagufta Khaliq said that the purpose of the gathering was to promote interfaith harmony in the region and convey the message that we are neither Hindu nor Muslim or Christian, we are human beings first. She further said it is high time to show tolerance and respect for each other.
Mohtamim Hasan was of the view that through such gatherings, we can reduce the gap between people of different faiths and end misunderstandings between them.
Jacob remarked that Edhi was a sign of love and humanity who served people regardless of their faith, colour and race. We should try to follow in his footsteps.
Woman district councilor Basri said, “No religion of the world teaches hate and violence. We need to study and understand other religions as this will help us better understand our own religion.”
Robina from Minhajul Quran Peshawar said that state is liable to protect the rights of all people living in the country and they must be given equal rights and opportunities.
Priest Joseph said interfaith harmony is the need of the hour. If we claim that we are Pakistani then we must be like one body, since without unity, we cannot get sustainable development and prosperity.
Other speakers were of the opinion that people like Edhi are born once in centuries and we should take his mission of serving humanity forward without having any worldly interest.
At the end, colourful balloons and pigeons were also released in the air as a sign of peace and freedom.
