Fruit of Christian-Muslim Dialogue
Prayer Room for Christians Inaugurated at Punjab Institute of Mental Healthcare in Lahore

 
On November 23, 2024 a significant and heartwarming development, the administration of the Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH) in Lahore has dedicated a special place for Christian worship, marking a milestone for interfaith harmony just ahead of Christmas. This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Pir Allama Muhammad Abid Zubair, Rev. Fr. James Chanan OP, Saqib Bajwa (Executive Director of PIMH), and Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq. For years, the Christian staff and patients at PIMH, which is home to approximately 700 employees, including 250 Christians, faced challenges sharing a single prayer space with Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs. The shared space often led to scheduling conflicts, resulting in tensions and, on one occasion, a dispute that threatened to deepen religious divides.

The resolution came after two years of dedicated meetings led by Rev. Fr. James Chanan OP, Director, Peace Center, Lahore and Pir Allama Muhammad Zubair Abid. On November 18, 2024, their efforts bore fruit when a newly constructed building was officially dedicated as a Christian prayer space. Speaking at the inauguration, Rev. Fr. James Chanan OP expressed his gratitude to the PIMH administration and government officials. "This is a remarkable moment for the Christian community here at PIMH. The previous arrangement allowed us just 30 minutes in a shared auditorium, which was insufficient for our prayers. Now, with this dedicated prayer room, our community can worship freely, especially during this blessed Christmas season," he said. Pir Allama Muhammad Zubair Abid highlighted the significance of interfaith harmony in Islam, stating, "Islam advocates for freedom of worship and respect for all religions. This initiative is a testament to that principle. From the vast 100 acres of PIMH land, a small yet meaningful space has been allocated for our Christian brothers and sisters."

The ceremony, held in a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, featured a choir composed of Christian nursing staff singing psalms of thanksgiving. Fr. James Channan OP also thanked Provincial Health Minister Punjab Khawaja Salman Rafiq and Saqib Bajwa for their instrumental roles in making this possible. With this achievement, Lahore’s Christian community has received a meaningful Christmas gift, and it stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished when people from different faiths work together for a common good.
Reported by:
Asher Nazir