Roundtable Conference with Religious Leaders
“Disturbing Trend of Increasing Mob Violence and Intolerance”

 On 1st of July,2024 Catholic Commission for Interreligious Dialogue & Ecumenism, Pakistan Interfaith with the collaboration of Peace Center organized Round Table Conference with Religious Leaders at a local hotel in Lahore. Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Grand Imam of the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore, participated as Chief Guest and this conference was presided over by Bishop Yousaf Sohan Diocese of Multan and Chairman of the National Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism. Many religious leaders participated from different religions. With it the preventatives of civil societies were also present there.

Religious Leaders Rt. Rev Yousaf Sohan , Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad Chairman of Pakistan Ruet -e- Hilal Committee, Fr. James Channan OP,  Director Peace Center Lahore Pakistan, Revd. Amjad Niamat Chairman Presbyterian Ecumenism, Human rights Interfaith, Peace & Harmony Commission, Presbyterian Church of Pakistan, Revd. Emmanuel Khokhar Spoke person Church of Pakistan, Dr Majid Able Executive Secretary PCP, Fr Khalid Rashid Asi , Dr Marus Fida , Ashar Nazir Executive Secretary Peace Center & other on a Round Table Interfaith Peace Conference Topic " Disturbing trend of increasing mob violence and intolerance" organized by Chairman Rt. Rev. Yousaf Sohan , Bishop of Multan, Catholic Commission for inter- Religious Dialogue & Ecumenism, Pakistan Catholic bishops Conference.
Bishop Yousaf Sohan, the esteemed Chairman of Catholic Commission for inter- Religious Dialogue & Ecumenism, Pakistan Holds Productive Discussion with Religious Leaders in Lahore.

Samuel Clement National Executive Secretary Catholic Commission for inter- Religious Dialogue & Ecumenism, Pakistan welcomed to all honorable guests and he shared the introduction and objective of Catholic Commission for inter- Religious Dialogue & Ecumenism, Pakistan. He said today with great honor I want to give appreciation for the services of Fr. James Channan OP because he was first National Executive Secretary of this National commission. He said today we are happy that a big number of Interfaith leaders are present in this Round Table Interfaith Conference and this is the result with the working of Peace Center Lahore. Because recently I visited Lahore and engaged in a productive conversation with religious leaders representing diverse schools of Islamic thought and Christian  leaders. Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, the Khateeb of the Badshahi Mosque, and also the chairman of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and the and Father James Channan OP Director Peace Center spearheaded this enlightening dialogue, with the common objective of fostering harmonious interfaith relations and preventing future incidents. The discourse was marked by an atmosphere of unity, respect, and understanding among all participants. Through open and honest conversation, the religious leaders explored avenues to promote religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect among various faith communities. Religious violence incident, which shook the nation and reverberated throughout the world, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fostering religious understanding and promoting tolerance. Recognizing this pressing need, the participants resolved to work together, disregarding religious boundaries, to ensure such unfortunate incidents do not recur in the future. 

Bishop Yousaf Sohan, Maulana Khabeer Azad, and Father James Channan OP called upon all individuals and communities to support their noble cause of interfaith dialogue and religious harmony. By standing united, Pakistan can achieve a future where every individual can freely practice their religion without fear of discrimination or violence.

Reported by:
Asher Nazir