HWPL Delegation and Interfaith Leaders’ Courtesy Meeting with the Governor of Punjab
Hosted by: Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Governor of Punjab.
Date: 23 September 2025
Venue: Governor House Punjab
A high-profile courtesy meeting was held on 23 September 2025 at the Governor House, Lahore, hosted by Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Governor of Punjab. The meeting was organized in connection with the observance of the International Day of Peace 2025 and the presentation of the Peace Award to distinguished interfaith leaders and members of the international delegation from HWPL – Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (Republic of Korea). The gathering brought together prominent religious leaders, peace activists, and representatives of civil society from across Pakistan, along with international peace advocates, reaffirming a shared commitment to interfaith harmony, climate responsibility, and sustainable peace.
His Excellency extended a warm welcome to the HWPL international delegation and the interfaith leaders, particularly acknowledging the presence of Fr. James Channan OP, Director of Peace Center Lahore and Head of the Interfaith Delegation.
The Governor appreciated the longstanding contributions of Peace Center Lahore in promoting interfaith dialogue, religious harmony, and peace education in Pakistan for over two decades. He commended the Center’s consistent efforts to foster unity among diverse religious communities and to project a positive image of Pakistan globally.
Referring to the United Nations theme for the International Day of Peace 2025 — “Act Now for a Peaceful World” — and its localized message in Pakistan, “Act Now for a Peaceful World: One Land, Shared Responsibility,” the Governor highlighted the urgent need to address Pakistan’s climate challenges, including floods, heavy rains, and environmental degradation. He emphasized that peace and climate responsibility are interconnected and require collective action from government institutions, civil society, and faith-based organizations.
The Governor reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace education, religious tolerance, humanitarian response, and community resilience, particularly in flood-affected regions. He also invited suggestions from the delegation on strengthening sustainable peace and interfaith understanding across Punjab and Pakistan. Fr. James Channan OP expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor of Punjab for hosting the delegation and for his continued support of interfaith initiatives. He shared the mission, achievements, and ongoing work of Peace Center Lahore, emphasizing the importance of national and international collaboration in cultivating a culture of peace.
He highlighted that interfaith leaders in Pakistan are working hand-in-hand to promote coexistence, mutual respect, and dialogue. He further acknowledged the valuable partnership with HWPL and the significance of global solidarity in advancing peacebuilding efforts. During the ceremony, the Governor of Punjab presented the Peace Award to members of the interfaith delegation in recognition of their contributions to peacebuilding, religious harmony, and community service.
List of Award Recipients / Delegation Members:
1. Fr. James Channan OP – Director, Peace Center Lahore
2. Kamran Pervaiz Choudhary – Chairman, Peace Committee Punjab
3. Mr. Joohun Kim – Manager, Religion Department (Global 10 Branch), HWPL
4. Ms. Yewon Kim – Director, Religion Department (Global 10 Branch), HWPL
5. Youngsoo Ryu – BEP, HWPL
6. Eddie Choi – BEP, HWPL
7. Asher Nazir – Executive Secretary, Peace Center Lahore
8. Fr. Adil Peter OP – Assistant Director, Peace Center Lahore
9. Ms. Neelam Nisari – Program Manager, Peace Center Lahore
10. Allama Muhammad Zubair Abid – Chairman, Peace Council Pakistan
11. Allama Mehmood Ghaznavi – Chairman, Peace Committee Pakistan
12. Pandit Baghat Lal Khokar – Religious Hindu Leader
13. Sardar Sikandar Singh – Sikh Leader
14. Jabran Gill – Political and Peace Activist
15. Sarwar Bhatti – Peace Promoter
The event reaffirmed a shared resolve to bridge divides, nurture coexistence, and build a more peaceful and harmonious Pakistan through dialogue, mutual respect, and collective responsibility. The courtesy meeting at the Governor House, Lahore, stands as a testament to the growing cooperation between governmental institutions, religious leaders, and international peace advocates.
By aligning with the global message of the International Day of Peace 2025, the Government of Punjab and its partners have demonstrated a unified commitment to fostering interfaith understanding, climate responsibility, and sustainable peace.
Together, through constructive dialogue and shared responsibility, we continue to build a stronger, more peaceful, and resilient Pakistan.
Prepared by:
Asher Nazir
Executive Secretary
Peace Center, Lahore
