An inter-faith harmony dialogue titled Building bridges was organised by the Presbyterian Education Board (PEB) at Naulakha Presbyterian Church, here on Sunday. Prominent religious personalities including Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Abdul Khabeer Azad, Kul Masalik Board Chairman Asim Makhdoom, Naulakha Presbyterian Church Senior Pastor Dr Majid Abel, Data Darbar Masjid Khateeb Mufti Ramzan Sialvi, Maulana Zubair Abid, Prof. Mehmood Ghaznavi, Prof. Sohail Raza, Head of Presbyterian Education Board Mrs. Veeda Javed, Mrs. Margy Trimble, Miss Sheryl Burke, Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar and a delegation from Board of Education Presbyterian participated in the event. The participants discussed promotion of religious tolerance in society, and overcoming challenges and problems in this regard. All leaders expressed their determination to work hard for promotion of religious tolerance and harmony. Expressing his views, PUC Chairman Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said the Constitution of Pakistan was based on education of Quran and Sunnah.
Inter-faith harmony was the basis of development and prosperity of the country, while all religions give the message of peace and love. He said that the leaders of all religions in Pakistan are spreading the message of peace and love. Dr. Majeed Abel, who was also the mediator of dialogue, said he feels proud that the Presbyterian Education Board had a mission to spread education and 60 per cent of students in our educational institutions are from the Muslim community. Christian educational institutions have rendered endless services and produced many great names. He expressed joy on completion of 25 years on Presbyterian education institutions. Khateeb Badshahi Masjid Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad said: I pay tribute to the services of Dr. Majeed Abel for creating interfaith harmony because his church always spoke of peace and love. The incident of Jaranwala was very painful, but everyone condemned it and took joint steps to protect humanity.
