Rwadari Tehreek against religious violence in the month of Muḥarram

The interreligious movement organized a demonstration to ask the city and the whole country to carry out concrete actions in favor of social and religious peace during the holy month. The demonstration was attended by leaders of various confessions.

Lahore () – In an environment increasingly charged with hatred and violence against ethnic and religious minorities in Pakistan, the people of Lahore have been invited by the civil and interreligious movement Rwadari Tehreek to embrace social peace, tolerance, respect and harmony between confessions. The movement was born in 2015 precisely to counter intolerance and violent extremism in Pakistani society and promote respect for religious diversity. This year he organized an interfaith caravan that toured the streets of Lahore and reached Karbla Gamay Shah, one of the oldest Bargah Imams in the city, to symbolically express solidarity between different religions, beginning with the National Council of Church.

The president of the Rwadari Tehreek movement, Samson Salamat, has invited numerous religious leaders, including the Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar (Dean of the Raiwind Diocese of the Anglican Church of Pakistan), Rev. Sylvester Tahir Bhatti, Pastor Saleem Khokhar, Muslim religious leaders Syed Waqar Hussain Naqvi, Allama Abbass Shirazi and Pandit Bhagat Lal Khokhar, and Adoo Ram from the Hindu community.

“The rise in intolerance and religious tensions is a matter of grave concern. We believe that the construction of a peaceful environment within our country can start from the holy and non-violent month of Muḥarram,” said the Rwadari Tehreek leader, who advised the government and institutions responsible for maintaining security to apply “tolerance zero with those who incite hatred and incite violence.” Salamat also appealed to the civic responsibility of all citizens to guarantee social peace.

Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar, Rev. Sylvester Tahir Bhatti and Syed Waqar Hussain Naqvi also pledged to play their role as religious leaders to promote interfaith respect and maintain peace beginning with this holy month. Reverend Emmanuel Khokhar said: “We believe that this month brings many blessings not only for the Shia community but for all humanity. We wish all the citizens of Pakistan to celebrate this month in peace with everyone. It is time to reach out to others and make true social peace a reality for all those in need. Khokhar concluded by stating: “We must be ambassadors of peace and we always pray for harmony in the country.”