Lahore: Rwadari Tehreek against religious violence in the month of Muḥarram

The interfaith movement held a rally to demand action from the city and the entire country for social and religious peace during the holy month. The demonstration was attended by leaders of different denominations

Lahore (AsiaNews) - In an atmosphere increasingly charged with hatred and violence towards ethnic and religious minorities in Pakistan, the people of Lahore have been called upon to embrace social peace, tolerance, respect and harmony between denominations by the Rwadari Tehreek civil and interfaith movement.

Established in 2015 precisely to counter intolerance and violent extremism in Pakistani society and promote respect for religious diversity, it organised a veritable interfaith caravan that travelled through the streets of Lahore and reached Karbla Gamay Shah, one of the city's oldest Imam Bargah, expressing - symbolically - solidarity between different faiths, starting from the National Council of Church.

The president of the Rwadari Tehreek movement, Samson Salamat invited several religious leaders, including Rev Emmanuel Khokhar (dean of the Raiwind diocese of the Anglican Church of Pakistan), Rev Sylvester Tahir Bhatti, Pastor Saleem Khokhar, Muslim religious leaders Syed Waqar Hussain Naqvi, Allama Abbass Shirazi and Pandit Bhagat Lal Khokhar, and Adoo Ram from the Hindu community.

"The growth of intolerance and religious tensions is a cause for serious concern. We believe that building a peaceful environment within our country can begin with the sacred and non-violent month of Muḥarram,' said the Rwadari Tehreek leader, who advised the government and institutions responsible for maintaining security to 'exercise zero tolerance towards those who incite hatred and incite violence'. Salamat also appealed for the civic responsibility of every citizen in ensuring social peace.

Rev Emmanuel Khokhar, Rev Sylvester Tahir Bhatti and Syed Waqar Hussain Naqvi also spoke, pledging to play their role as religious leaders to promote respect between denominations and maintain peace from this holy month.

Rev Emmanuel Khokhar said: "We believe that this month brings many blessings not only for the Shia community but for all mankind. We wish all citizens of Pakistan to celebrate this month in peace with everyone. It is the time to extend our hands towards our neighbour and realise true social peace for all those in need'. Khokhar concluded: "We must be ambassadors of peace and always pray for harmony in the country."

• Interfaith
• dialogue