In Punjab, young Catholics celebrate Valentine's Day against religious hatred
In Pakistan Islamic radicals ban Valentine’s Day, holding instead a “Day of Modesty”. In Sahiwal, the local parish’s organises a gathering for people of any religion, including couples, centred on a counter message of loving one another and not pitting religions against each other.
Sahiwal (AsiaNews) – Known internationally, including Pakistan, as the Day of Love, Valentine's Day usually sparks tensions with Islamic fundamentalists.
For the most radical, this day is haram (forbidden) for Muslims and banners and posters against it appeared across the country days before it was celebrated.
Instead of flowers and red balloons, these groups introduced, as a substitute, Hata Day (Modesty Day) to be marked on the same date, 14 February.
Despite this, a group of young Catholics organised a gathering at the National Art Zone in Sahiwal (Punjab) to mark this special day as a message of love, respect and togetherness in society.
More than 50 people responded to the initiative, including some Muslims, and two clergymen and their families.
The event began with a prayer. Some married couples were invited to express their feelings about love on a stage. The celebration continued with games, poems, music, and dancing, before sharing a meal.
"Our goal was to promote the values of love and peace in a society where hatred has penetrated deeply,” said Ashknaz Khokhar, one of the organisers, speaking to AsiaNews.
“We want to tell people that Valentine's Day is not a day of one religion against another, but it is the day of acceptance, togetherness, and love for each other.”
In the end, “Only ten married couples and 20 unmarried people came. Many others reacted angrily to our invitation on social media.”
“In any case, it was great to have more than 50 participants. Under the current circumstances, our society needs more days and events like this to eliminate hatred and biases.”
"The controversy around Valentine's Day highlights the state-sponsored narrative where love is discouraged and hatred is encouraged,” said Samson Salamat, president of Rwadari Tehreek (Movement for Tolerance).
“The expression of love and acceptance is not a priority of the state. Celebrating Haya Day as opposed to Valentine's Day is nonsense,” he added.
For Naveed Walter, president of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), “International days are intended to educate, involve, and raise public awareness.”
He told AsiaNews that “If people think about the word ‘love’ in a broader sense, the meanings and importance of Valentine's Day could be easily understood. Valentine’s Day is not an obstacle to any religious practice;” instead, “it is a reminder that love is a fundamental part of every creed.”
.png)
