Lahore (AsiaNews) – In Lahore the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) has recently launched a peace education programme designed to address the rising intolerance, violence and extremism in the country which needs harmony. The first phase of the project, which was dedicated to peace, brought together 34 men and women, including ten Muslims.

Mgr John Saldanha, archbishop of Lahore, welcomed the participants to the cathedral urging them to dedicate themselves to justice and dialogue.

“We are trying to promote a peaceful path towards social transformation and stability in some parts of the country like Punjab, Sindh and the North West Frontier Province,” said NCJP Director Fr Emmanuel Yousaf. “Participants love peace and this is the only weapon against Pakistan’s decline.”

“Violence has marked our society,” said NCJP Executive Secretary Peter Jacob. “But now it is the time to see what peace can do. Dialogue and non violence are the basis of every religious teaching and we must put into practice what our conscience tells us.”