Impressive show of interfaith harmony

Islamabad
In a rare but impressive demonstration of interfaith harmony, the leaders of Christian, Sikh and Hindu community have participated in Aushura procession held in Taxila for showing their solidarity and paying rich tributes to sacrifices rendered by Imam Hussain (AS) for the sake of human dignity.
“It was first time in my life to see leaders of different religions at one stage to pay tributes to Imam Hussain (AS) who is symbol of standing up against oppressive forces,” said one 50 year old Hasnain Shah after witnessing participation of leaders of different religions in the Moharram procession.
Al-Qaim Trust’s head Allama Syed Mehdi Sherazi told ‘The News’ that they had extended invitation to leaders of Christian, Hindu and Sikh to participate in the main procession of Ashura Moharram at Taxila and it was quite impressive to see that all of them were present on the occasion of 10th of Moharram procession. “We are thankful to them and will also participate in their religious events in the future whenever they will invite us,” he added.
He said that the leaders of different religions gathered at Babu Hotel Taxila and walked to participate into main procession of Aashura Moharram. With tearful eyes by the stage secretary, the different religion leaders were invited on the main stage of the procession.
The Christian’s Bishop Issac Ghouri said on the occasion that there was need to promote harmony and in this regard their leaders could play an important role.
“If we want to overcome hatred the religious scholars’ role is very important who can promote tolerance and love,” he added.
In order to promote peace and tranquillity, he said that the role of different institution including Army, Police and civil society got immense importance but the main responsibility must lie on the shoulders of religious leaders of all religions who could play an important role for bringing harmony in the society.
He said that the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) gives us lesson of peace and harmony in our society.
The Sikh community’s leader Preetam Singh said that 10th Moharram was victory of truth when Imam
Hussain (AS) waged struggle against for sake of humanity. There were no personal issues of Imam Hussain but he rendered sacrifices for oppressed people, he added.
He said that today the Muslim, Christian, Hindu and Sikh were paying tributes to the great personality by showing solidarity as it was message of love and respecting humanity.
The Hindu community leader Kishan Lal said that it was great occasion when different religion were united for paying tributes to a personality who stood up for taking torch of truth and humanity. The Chairman of Markazi Moharram Committee Syed Zahid Hussain said on the occasion that it was great moment when Christian, Hindu, Sikh and all sects of Muslims participated into the main procession as it would lead to promote peace and harmony in our country.