As a Peace Activist my efforts in order to promote peace, harmonyand religious freedom.

As a dedicated volunteer member of the District Peace Committee, Gujranwala, I work alongside committed stakeholders to foster a culture of peace and harmony in the community. In addition, in this role, I am advocating for shared values of compassion, justice, and respect. Likewise, our collective efforts are focused on bridging gaps between Christians and Muslims, creating platforms for dialogue and understanding.

Together, we strive to ensure mutual respect and coexistence, addressing sensitive issues with wisdom and empathy through regular meetings, community engagement initiatives, and conflict resolution efforts. We aim to build trust and solidarity, contributing to a peaceful and inclusive society in Gujranwala by facilitating open communication and addressing concerns to overcome prejudices and work towards achieving common goals.

A delegation consisting of religious leaders visit Mr. Naveed Ahmad Deputy Commissioner Gujranwala at his office and shared issues being faced by the Christian community. The construction of “The Grace of God Church” and the reopening of the Roman Catholic Church were raised by Mr. Shahzad Lawrence. It was a very productive meeting several points were shared and discussed with Mr. Ahmad worthy Deputy Commissioner about the construction of boundary walls of Christian Cemeteries, installation of clean drinking water plantations in Christian areas, set up of computer labs, health care centers, interest-free loans, concerned about issuance of NOC for construction of Churches, Play Grounds, etc.

December brings a festive spirit as Christians worldwide prepare for Christmas and New Year celebrations. In Gujranwala, Pakistan, the District Government, led by Deputy Commissioner Naveed Ahmad, ensured that the Christian community received the best facilities for the joyous occasions. Several meetings were arranged with concerned departments to address the issues.

The meetings with Deputy Commissioner Naveed Ahmad and Assistant Deputy
Commissioner General Mr. Faisal Sultan emphasized creating a peaceful and organized environment for the festivities.

Additional Deputy Commissioner General Mr. Faisal Sultan acting as the Focal Person,
collaborated with government officials and other stakeholders to address the
community’s needs during Christmas and New Year 2025.

Furthermore, to make the celebrations smooth and hassle-free, the Deputy
Commissioner directed the concerned departments to prioritize cleanliness around
churches and other places of worship. Efforts included repairing and maintaining the
sewerage systems, and ensuring the areas were clean and hygienic for prayer services.
Special attention was given to lighting, pathways, and other necessary facilities, making the atmosphere welcoming and secure for the large gatherings expected during the holy season.

The District Government also organized unique initiatives to spread festive cheer.
“Christmas Bazars” were set up for the Christian community known as “Model Bazars” offering affordable goods and seasonal items. Additionally, the installation of Christmas trees in prominent areas brought vibrancy to the celebrations. These thoughtful gestures demonstrated the administration’s commitment to inclusivity and harmony, highlighting the importance of fostering unity among diverse religious communities.

Ensuring safety during the Christmas and New Year prayer services, Rescue 1122 teams and Fire Brigade services were stationed outside major churches in Gujranwala and Wazirabad Districts. Their presence reassured worshippers and contributed to a sense of security. This collaborative effort by the District Government, religious leaders, and volunteers reflected a shared dedication to peace and harmony, creating memorable celebrations for the Christian community in the region.

The Role of District Police

In the lead-up to Christmas and New Year 2025, constant meetings were arranged with SP Civil Lane Division, SP City Division SP Sadar Division, and SSP Operations Dr. Raza Tanveer under the supervision of DIG Muhammad Ayaz Saleem, City Police Officer Gujranwala. These preliminary sessions with stakeholders played a pivotal role in ensuring a secure and harmonious environment for the Christian community. Detailed security matters were discussed and implemented with precision during time and again before Christmas.

The Church security volunteers received specialized training at Police Lines to enhance
their ability to assist during the celebrations. Additionally, meetings with church heads atlocal police stations fostered collaboration and understanding, ensuring that both the police and community leaders were aligned in their efforts to maintain peace.

High-level engagements with SPs, SSPs, and the CPO further strengthened the security framework for the festive season. Their collective efforts resulted in smooth and peaceful celebrations across Gujranwala and neighboring areas. Strategic deployment of police personnel and effective communication with community leaders prevented any potential disruptions, allowing families to partake in the joyous occasions with confidence and peace of mind.

The Christmas Letters along with Christmas Cakes were sent to the heads of streamline churches. This initiative was taken by Worthy DIG Ashfaq Ahamad Khan in 2017 when he was appointed as City Police Officer, in Gujranwala.

As a gesture of goodwill and solidarity, the District Police and District Administrative
officials visited churches during the festive season. They participated in cake-cutting ceremonies and exchanged heartfelt Christmas and New Year wishes with the
congregations.

These moments of unity and mutual respect highlighted the spirit of inclusivity and interfaith harmony, reinforcing the bond between the authorities and the Christian community. Their presence not only ensured safety but also fostered a sense of belonging and shared celebration. A large number of police were deployed outside the churches.

Commissioner Gujranwala

Commissioner Gujranwala, Naveed Haider Sherazi, chaired a crucial meeting with Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) from across the region, including Gujranwala, Sialkot, Hafizabad, Narowal, and Gujrat Districts, to discuss arrangements and security measures for Christmas and New Year 2025. This high-level gathering aimed to ensure the safety and well-being of the Christian community during these significant celebrations. The meeting provided a platform to address concerns, align strategies, and foster collaboration between government authorities and the Christian leadership.

During the meeting, comprehensive security initiatives were outlined to ensure a peaceful and joyous environment for all. Key measures included enhanced police deployment at churches and other worship places, the training of volunteers, and the implementation of effective crowd management plans. Special attention was given to critical aspects such as traffic control, emergency response teams, and the availability of essential facilities. These efforts reflected the administration’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive atmosphere for the festivities.

The Christian leadership from various districts expressed their satisfaction with the
security arrangements and administrative support. They appreciated the proactive steps taken by the regional and district authorities to address their concerns and prioritize their safety. The productive discussions and unified efforts of the stakeholders exemplified a strong commitment to interfaith harmony and community welfare, ensuring that Christmas and New Year 2025 would be celebrated with peace and joy across the region.