Aroop village Gujranwala
A SUCCESS STORY OF Interfaith Harmony
Background
Muslims and Christians are living peacefully together over years in Aroop village situated on Sialkot Road, Gujranwala.
Danish Masih S/o Majeed Ghouri narrates in his application to Station House
Officer that he lives with his family in Muhammad Pura Aroop Moor, Gujranwala.
One day when he was passing through the street along with his friend Tamoor S/o Maqood. Aamir Butt alias Mittoo Butt invited Danish Masih to enter the circle of Islam. Qasir Butt and Aamir Butt attacked him with an iron saw and badly tortured him when he was standing on Church Street with his cousin. The villagers rescued him, he added.
Danish Masih together with elders of Christian community submitted an
application to the police station, Aroop.
The same day while I was completing my academic assignment, I received a
phone call from one of my colleagues Mr. Tariq Masih. It was about 5:30 pm
when Mr. Tariq Masih phoned me and requested to come to the police station to handle the situation.
I approached and motivated them to start a dialogue with local Muslims in order to maintain peaceful environment. An urgent meeting was held of Christians under supervision of Member District Peace Committee.
A member of Christian community Haroon Ghouri said that Aamir Butt has beaten up some Christians in the past. Christians feel insecure.While Yashwa added “We were seeking justice but failed to get the attention of police”, during a meeting.
NGOs Social workers, Human Rights activists and political members as well as
approached them and assured their support.
Member District Peace Committee suggested to the elders of the Christian
community to contact some Muslims and decided to initiate a dialogue as soon as possible in order to eliminate anxiety in Christian families. The thought was
supported by community.
Our efforts proved fruitful
Known local Muslim and Christian leaders arranged several meetings to
establish peace. The local Catholic community met their parish priest
Rev. Fr. Francis Gulzar and shared the entire situation.
20th day of September 2022
This day was remarkable for the community of Aroop. St. Mary’s
Catholic Church proved a center for peace. Prof. Shahzad Lawrence
member District Peace Committee led the reconciliation meeting. He
welcomed representatives of both committees. They promised to join
hands for the promotion of peace and religious harmony in future.
Current Situation
Muslims and Christians of Aroop Moore have experienced a strange
and tense situation. They realized and expressed their heart-touch
feelings while they embraced each other.
An honor the the Muslim Community Chaudhary Akbar Bhinder assured
our team that he will play his role as a peace activist in the future. They
will solve their problems by maintaining a brotherhood relationship
among themselves.
Special Words of Thanks
We are grateful to Respected Muhammad Umer Farooq Salamat, City Police Officer for supporting Minority Cell under his kind supervision efforts are going on in connection with the promotion of interfaith dialogue and tolerance in the society.
