Interfaith harmony basis of country’s growth: Ashrafi

LAHORE: An interfaith harmony dialogue was organised by the Presbyterian Education Board in the Presbyterian Church of Lahore under the supervision of Dr Majeed Abel. Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Maulana Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Khatib Data Darbar Maulana Ramzan Sialvi, Chairman Kul Masalik Board Asim Makhdoom, Zubair Abid, Prof Mehmood Ghaznavi, Prof Sohail Raza, Head of Presbyterian Education Board Mrs Veeda Javed, Mrs Margy Trimble, Miss Sheryl Burke, Emmanuel Khokhar and a delegation from Board of Education Presbyterian participated.

In the dialogue forum, the promotion of religious tolerance in Pakistan, challenges and problems faced were discussed. All the leaders expressed their determination to work hard for the promotion of religious tolerance.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Middle East and Inter-Religious Harmony and Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that the Constitution of Pakistan is based on the Quran and Sunnah. Interfaith harmony is the basis of development and prosperity of the country, while all religions give the message of peace and love. He said that the leaders of all religions in Pakistan are spreading the message of peace and love in the country. He strongly condemned the Israeli atrocities in Gaza, expressed regret for the martyrdom of more than 3,500 children and praised the role of the Christian doctors serving in Gaza. While paying tribute to the services of the Presbyterian Education Board, he said that the people of Pakistan praise the role of the Christian community in education and health.

Dr Majeed Abel said that he feels proud that the Presbyterian Education Board has a mission to spread education and 60 percent of the students are from the Muslim community. Christian educational institutions have rendered endless services and produced many great names.

Badshahi Masjid Khatib Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad lauded the services of Dr Majeed Abel in Interfaith. The incident of Jaranwala was very painful, but everyone condemned it and took joint steps to protect humanity. Chairman Kul Masalik Board Maulana Asim Makhdoom said that undoubtedly the Christian community has many services in education and health. He welcomed the announcement of the opening of a school by the Presbyterian Education Board in Jaranwala. Data Sahib Khatib Ramzan Sialvi said that peace and tolerance can be established in society only on the basis of education. Mrs Margie Trammell said that the Presbyterian Church would continue to provide outreach services as it has in the past.

Miss Sheryl Burke said that they have been rendering their services in the field of education for several decades and many big names have been brought up from our institutions.

Head of Presbyterian Education Board Mrs Veeda Javed said that we are ensuring provision of special education in villages across Punjab.

Maulana Zubair Ahmed laid emphasis on spreading the message of peace in the whole world. The delegation members expressed their determination that they would continue education as a mission and contribute to the prosperity of Pakistan. Abid Majeed said the voice of peace has always been raised from the church.