A two-day combined assembly themed “Developing a Culture of Peace & Harmony” successfully concluded on 24 September 2024 in Lahore. The event brought together diverse participants from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces to engage in meaningful discussions, cultural reflections, and collaborative sessions aimed at fostering peace and harmony within Pakistani society.
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The assembly featured an insightful session on the Intersectionality between Peace, Culture, and Religion, led by the esteemed Bishop Samuel Azariah, Director, Christian Study Centre, Rawalpindi. His address emphasized the intricate relationships between religious values, cultural expressions, and the pursuit of peace in a multi-religious society in Pakistan. Bishop Azariah encouraged participants to reflect on how these intersections can be harnessed to promote understanding and unity in an increasingly divided world.
A key highlight of the assembly was a session dedicated to the renowned Sufi poet Bullah Shah, who was celebrated as A Poet of Peace and Inclusivityled by the renowned poet Iqbal Qaiser. The presentation shed light on Bullah Shah’s timeless poetry, which transcends religious and cultural boundaries, offering a message of love, acceptance, and peace. His contributions were discussed in the context of promoting inclusivity and tolerance in contemporary Pakistan.
In addition, a thought-provoking discussion on led by the renowned human rights activist Irfan Mufti “The Role of Culture in Shaping Pakistan’s National Narrative” explored how cultural traditions, practices, and narratives have the power to influence and shape the collective identity of the nation. The session emphasized the need to revisit Pakistan’s cultural roots to develop a more peaceful, inclusive, and harmonious national discourse.
Mr. Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister of Minorities Affairs, Punjab, expressed deep appreciation for the event’s focus on fostering unity through dialogue and cultural exchange. The honorable Minister commended the work of the Christian Study Centre, for creating a platform that brought together voices from diverse backgrounds to promote mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence in Pakistan.
“The discussions on peace, inclusivity, and the role of culture in shaping our national narrative were timely and crucial. This assembly has strengthened our resolve to continue working towards a society where every citizen, regardless of their background, feels valued and protected,” the Minister remarked. The Minister also highlighted the importance of sustained efforts in bridging divides and building a future based on respect, peace, and harmony for all communities.
Evening celebrations included a Musical Evening that showcased the rich cultural diversity of Pakistan. Traditional and contemporary performances captivated the audience, symbolizing the unity found in cultural expression. The assembly also featured presentations by partner organizations, highlighting their ongoing efforts and projects aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation in various communities across the country.
The event concluded with a Common Peace Prayer, bringing together participants of diverse faiths in a powerful moment of shared hope and commitment to building a future of peace, harmony, and mutual respect in the country.
The two-day assembly organized by the Christian Study Centre in collaboration with partner organizations, successfully fostered dialogue, reflection, and collaboration, leaving participants inspired to take concrete actions towards developing a culture of peace and harmony in their own communities.
