ASIA/PAKISTAN - Religious leaders and politicians united for peace, against terrorism

Lahore (Agenzia Fides) - A special day of prayer for peace in Pakistan, with the participation of religious, political and social leaders, and intellectuals: this is the initiative organized in recent days by the Council for Interreligious Dialogue in Lahore, a group founded by Capuchin friar Fr. Francis Nadeem in Punjab. "We prayed asking God to stop the increasing wave of terrorism, that leads to killings, political tensions, sectarian hatred and religious prejudices in Pakistan" explains to Fides Fr. Nadeem, who chaired the meeting with the Muslim leader Sufi Shafaat Rasool, President of the Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
According to the leaders of different religions who were present, "the Day was an opportunity for a strong heartfelt prayer for peace in Pakistan and other countries in the world." The leaders asked the government to "take the necessary measures to protect the lives of citizens"; reiterating the commitment to "promote peace and religious harmony through dialogue". The participants expressed deep condolences to the families of all the victims of recent attacks, commemorating those who lost their lives in suicide bombings, explosions and because of terrorism in recent months in different parts of the country, as in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi
"It is essential to continue to spread messages and words of peace in Pakistan" said Fr. Francis Nadeem, stressing that "there is need for religious harmony in every corner of the country". "We urgently need to join hands and arms, ignoring differences and prejudices, for peace and reconciliation". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/04/2015)