ABAN24 - The centuries-old Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan, a symbol of Mughal grandeur, turned into a venue for interfaith dialogue.
On the special direction of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, the Awqaf Department Punjab organized the prestigious interfaith conference at Iqbal Hall Badshahi Mosque to promote religious harmony and interfaith cohesion.
The conference was attended by Provincial Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, Secretary/Chief Administrator Awqaf Punjab Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, Director General Religious Affairs Hafiz Anees ur Rehman, Christian community representative Bishop Kamran Nadeem, Hindu community representative Bhagat Lal, Khateeb of Badshahi Mosque Maulana Syed Abdul Khabir Azad, Administrator Shahid Hameed, a 40-member Sikh pilgrims’ delegation visiting Pakistan, along with senior officials and distinguished guests.
Addressing the conference, Provincial Minister Ramesh Singh Arora stated that the Government of the Punjab is steadfastly implementing a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy to promote religious tolerance and interfaith harmony.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the restoration and preservation of Sikh sacred sites and to ensuring state-of-the-art facilities for pilgrims, adding that these initiatives project Pakistan’s peaceful and positive image globally.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Awqaf Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, in the context of the philosophy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, emphasized that Iqbal’s message is rooted in universal values of humanity, compassion, brotherhood, and mutual respect, offering enduring guidance for harmony among diverse faiths.
He observed that the Badshahi Mosque is not only a magnificent symbol of Islamic heritage but also a living embodiment of tolerance and interfaith dialogue, while Iqbal Hall serves as a vibrant platform for enlightening younger generations about Iqbal’s intellectual legacy.
Dr. Ehsan Bhutta further highlighted that the Awqaf Department is actively engaged in the restoration, conservation, and beautification of shrines, mosques, and historical landmarks, aiming to transform these sites into dynamic centers of interfaith harmony and cultural tourism with modern facilities for visitors.
Addressing the gathering, Bishop Kamran Nadeem and Bhagat Lal stated that people of different faiths in Pakistan live together with mutual respect, tolerance and harmony, reflecting a positive and progressive social fabric. They emphasized that such dialogues play a vital role in bridging gaps and strengthening mutual trust among communities.
In his concluding remarks, Maulana Syed Abdul Khabir Azad stressed the importance of peace, brotherhood, and interfaith harmony, stating that promoting love, tolerance, and mutual respect among followers of different religions is essential for societal stability and global peace.
The conference concluded with special prayers for national security, stability, and the promotion of peace and interfaith harmony across the world.
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