Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Fides Service) - Christian and Muslim Catholic school pupils recently made a public commitment to building a country which is open, liberal and tolerant. The commitment was taken by some 300 boys and girls on the occasion of “Pakistan Day organised at St Lawrence High School in Lahore. The day was promoted by the Lahore archdiocese Commission for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue, special guests included Muslim personalities and local civil authorities. In Pakistan Catholic schools are highly appreciated for the quality of education offered and the majority of Catholic school pupils are Muslim children.
On Pakistan Day the pupils offered theatrical and musical performances to recall, with their song and dance that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees respect for minorities.
Addressing those present, Father Francis Nadeem, secretary of the diocesan Commission for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue said: “Policies to promote social harmony, peace and brotherhood must be put into practice to ensure that Pakistan becomes a place of prosperity for all”. Father Nadeem thanked the pupils and guests of different religions for taking part underlining that the citizens of Pakistan who belong to many different social, ethnic and religious groups have a duty to work for national progress and social harmony.
One of the Muslim speakers, politician Tariq Banday, a member of the Pakistan Muslim League, said: “Our people have made many sacrifices to achieve the dream of the father of Pakistan, Ali Jinnah, to live in a country which is tolerant, modern and liberal. Today many of our political leaders have betrayed Jinnah’s intentions. What the country needs is renewed common commitment to work for the prosperity of the country and to build a society where minorities can live in security for their persons and for their property”.
(Agenzia Fides 31/3/2004 lines 31 word 342)
