Faisalabad, Muslim-Christian march for peace and religious freedom
Faisalabad (AsiaNews) - A Christian-Muslim march to demand an end to the violence
against religious minorities, respect for human rights and an end to the
personal attacks against journalists, women and innocent workers. It is an
initiative promoted by civil society of Faisalabad
(Punjab), under the motto "Non-violence
for a peaceful coexistence." Supporters of the march include Peace and
Human Development (Phd Foundation), led by Christian leader Suneel Malik, and
the Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (Awam), led by Christian
Naseem Anthony.
The demonstration in the streets of the city (pictured) was held on October 2,
coinciding with the celebration of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, World Day for
peace and non-violence , held for the first time in 2007, according to the
guiding principles of the Indian leader who was assassinated by a Hindu
extremist in 1948.
The demonstrators, both Christians and Muslims, together condemned all forms of
violence, torture and discrimination perpetrated in the name of religion. They
also condemned the attacks on the sensibilities of the faithful, citing the
case of anti-Islamic film "The innocence of Muslims" that sowed death
and destruction around the world.
Speaking to AsiaNews, the leader of Phd Foundation Suneel Malik points out that
"the State must promote peace and harmony" and to achieve the goal needs
"a table of negotiations" between the various factions. Naseem
Anthony, of Awam, denounced "the murders of journalists who try to tell
the truth behind the facts" and stressed that the profession is now considered
a harbinger "of death" in Pakistan.
The Muslim politician Arif Ayaz appeals to the government, to "respect and
promote the of ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural diversity " that
make up the country, to create a true "climate of harmony." Nasreen
Bukhari, of the Muslim union, said that "a culture of non-violence can be
made possible only if each individual - and all society - aims" for peace
and social harmony. Finally activist Asghar Shaheen, of the Islamic faith and
committed to the defense of workers' rights, affirmed "the State must
ensure compliance with the law" and at the same time "protect the
rights of marginalized groups such as minorities, workers, women, children and
disabled. "
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