PAKISTAN Young Catholics from Punjab for a Valentine’s Day without religious hate

Pakistani Islamic radicals “ban” the festival of lovers and celebrate “Modesty Day” in opposition. The countercurrent message of the Sahiwal parish that invited couples of all religions to an event: it is not the day to confront religions against each other, but to educate in reciprocal love.

Sahiwal () – Recognized throughout the world as the day of love, in Pakistan on February 14, Valentine’s Day, is a source of tension with Islamic fundamentalists. The most radical religious believe that this holiday is haram (forbidden) for Muslims and for several days before, banners and posters against Valentine’s Day have appeared everywhere. These groups have introduced Hata Day (Modesty Day) which they celebrate precisely on February 14 to eradicate flowers and red balloons.

But this year in Sahiwal, in the Pakistani province of Punjab, a group of young Catholics organized an event at the National Art Space to celebrate Valentine’s Day by spreading a message of love, respect and unity in society. More than 50 people participated in the initiative, including some Muslims and two pastors with their families. The program began with a prayer and some couples were invited on stage to share their feelings about love. The party then continued with games, poems, music and dance, before having dinner together.

“Our objective – Ashknaz Khokhar, one of the organizers of the event, told – was to promote the values ​​of love and peace in a society where hatred has strong roots. We want to tell people that Valentine’s Day is not a day of one religion against another, but it is the day of acceptance, unity and mutual love. Only ten married couples and twenty engaged couples joined the program; many people responded angrily to our invitation on social media. In any case, it was very beautiful to have more than 50 participants: in the current circumstances our society needs more days and events like this to overcome hatred and prejudice.

“The controversy around Valentine’s Day – says Samson Salamat, president of Rwadari Tehreek – sums up the narrative in which love is discouraged and hate is encouraged. The expression of love and acceptance is not a priority for those who govern the country. Celebrating HayaDay as opposed to Valentine’s Day is absurd.”

“International days – adds Naveed Walter, president of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) – to , have the objective of educating, involving and raising public awareness. If you think of the word ‘love’ in a broader sense, the meaning and importance of Valentine’s Day can be easily understood. It does not hinder the practices of any religion, but rather reminds that love is a fundamental part of all faiths.