THE world stood at the brink of an apocalyptic crisis when a leader of a superpower threatened to wipe out a civilization.
On 29 March 2026, Palm Sunday marked the beginning of Holy Week, during which Christians commemorate the triumphant entry of Prophet Jesus (PBUH) into Jerusalem. Pilgrims from around the world usually gather for Easter celebrations and prayers at the Holy Sepulcher.
This year, however, restrictions imposed by occupation authorities prevented both foreign pilgrims and the local Christian community from observing these sacred rituals. The doors of the Holy Sepulcher — the site where Christ (PBUH) was crucified and where his tomb is located — remained closed. Such a situation reflects the tenure of extremist elements, as even during the two World Wars these celebrations were not disrupted.
Historically, the keys of the Holy Sepulcher have been held since 1187 by two Muslim families, the Joudeh and Nusseibeh, symbolizing the enduring tradition of religious harmony in Jerusalem. The city has long been home to the holy sites of Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Yet recently, Muslims were also restricted from offering prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan and Eid, further undermining this legacy of coexistence.
Amid rising tensions, sanity finally prevailed. Iran and the United States, through the combined efforts of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt and others, agreed to a two-week ceasefire and to initiate negotiations based on a 10-point agenda. The persistent diplomatic efforts of Pakistan’s leadership have received international acknowledgment. It is hoped that extremist elements will not derail these peace initiatives.
The involvement of Russia and China in the negotiation process is a welcome development. The United States must recognize that with power comes responsibility and that hubris must never overshadow the obligation to preserve peace and prevent catastrophe. A global power cannot afford to undermine its own credibility.
Extremist fanaticism, fueled by the distortion of religious teachings to justify violence and ethnic cleansing, poses a grave threat to global peace. Islam, Christianity and Judaism — the three monotheistic faiths — share a belief in the Ten Commandments, which emphasize equality before Almighty Allah (SWT) and the sanctity of human life. None of these faiths endorses apartheid or the killing of innocent men, women, children and the elderly, even in times of war.
Yet extremists have weaponized religion to justify oppression and violence. The belief held by some that they alone are a chosen race contradicts the very principles revealed to Prophet Moses (PBUH). Such interpretations distort the essence of faith, which fundamentally promotes tolerance, justice and coexistence.
It is imperative for countries in the region to exercise restraint and accept one another. Geography cannot be changed and peaceful coexistence remains the only viable path forward. International law must prevail and the sanctity of recognized borders must be upheld.
History offers clear lessons. Figures such as Adolf Hitler, driven by hatred and a false sense of destiny, brought immense destruction upon humanity. His vision of dominance and persecution ultimately led to devastation and defeat. When individuals attempt to assume divine authority and pursue destructive ambitions, they invite inevitable downfall.
Peace, therefore, is not merely an option but a necessity for coexistence and development. The world must reject extremism, uphold justice and work collectively to ensure a future defined by harmony rather than conflict.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Lahore.
