Peace and Interfaith Harmony Seminar during Muharram-ul-Haram
“We are united for peace and religious harmony”, Shahzad Lawrence.
An important seminar on the promotion of peace, law and order, and interfaith harmony during Muharram-ul-Haram was organized by the National Paigham-e-Peace Committee Punjab on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Iqbal Hall, Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce.
The seminar was attended by distinguished religious scholars from various schools of thought, social and religious leaders, and peace activists committed to strengthening interfaith relations. Representing the Christian community, Rev. Arif Siraj and Shahzad Lawrence, Member of the District and Divisional Peace Committee and Interfaith Harmony Committee, actively participated in the event.
The seminar was presided over by Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Chairman of the Pakistan Ulma Council and Coordinator of the Prime Minister’s National Paigham-e-Peace Committee.
In his keynote address, he emphasized the importance of promoting sectarian harmony, religious tolerance, mutual respect, and national unity during the sacred month of Muharram. Highlighting the significance of peace in the region, he appreciated the constructive role played by the Governments of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in supporting efforts aimed at reducing tensions and encouraging peaceful solutions to regional conflicts.
Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi urged all Pakistanis to stand united for the stability of Pakistan, national cohesion, economic prosperity, and sustainable development. He stressed that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, understanding, and mutual respect among all communities.
On this occasion, Shahzad Lawrence assured Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi that the Christian community remains committed to working alongside the Government of Punjab for the promotion of peace, religious tolerance, social cohesion, and interfaith harmony. He reiterated that people of all faiths share a collective responsibility to safeguard the values of coexistence and national solidarity.
Shahzad Lawrence further stated that the Gujranwala Chapter of the Pakistan Ulema Council is making dedicated efforts, in collaboration with the Christian community, to promote religious harmony and peaceful coexistence. He appreciated and welcomed their continuous initiatives for peace and interfaith understanding.
On this occasion, Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi also assured his support in helping resolve internal disputes within the Christian community through peaceful dialogue and mutual understanding. Shahzad Lawrence expressed his sincere gratitude for this commitment. In recognition of his national and international services for peace, interfaith harmony, and humanitarian causes, Shahzad Lawrence presented a bouquet of flowers to Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi and paid tribute to his valuable contributions.
The seminar concluded with special prayers for peace, stability, inter- sect harmony, interfaith understanding, and the prosperity of Pakistan. The participants observed that nations achieve lasting progress when diversity is embraced as strength rather than a difference.
They emphasized that dialogue builds bridges where prejudice erects walls, and that mutual respect among religious communities is the foundation of a peaceful and prosperous society. The gathering reaffirmed that fraternity, compassion, and tolerance are indispensable pillars for national stability, social development, and the brighter future of coming generations.
The seminar conveyed a powerful message that sustainable peace is nurtured through cooperation, trust, and shared responsibility, while national development flourishes when citizens of all faiths work together with a common vision for progress and harmony.
