Focolare Movement Hosts ‘Run for Unity’ in Karachi to Promote Unity among Youth

The Focolare Movement hosted the "Run for Unity" initiative on May 9, 2026, at St. Lawrence's Convent Girls School in Karachi, southern Pakistan, gathering around 200 youth from Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh backgrounds to promote interreligious dialogue and communal harmony.

Participants were divided into seven groups representing the colours of the rainbow to engage in "Peace Games." 

The event featured a variety of cultural performances, including songs, dances, skits, and speeches centered on the theme of harmony. In a creative display of commitment, youth also placed hand-signs on a collective banner.

Khalid Marwat, Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and President of the World Conference Religions for Peace - Pakistan, observed that seeing diverse youth learning together provides a tangible roadmap for a peaceful Pakistan. He emphasized that such grassroots engagement is essential for breaking down historical barriers and countering extremism.

Following the games, participants marched to the "Garden of Peace," maintained by Franciscan nuns.

Sr. Catherine Gill, Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM), noted that the garden serves as a living classroom where youth can connect the care for creation with the care for one another.

In a symbolic act of unity, representatives from all four religions planted a tree together, signifying their commitment to growing as one community.

Valentina Gomes, Responsible for the Focolare Movement in Karachi, stated that peace is only possible if all members of society respect the religions and rituals of others. She noted that diversity is a strength and that honouring the sacred traditions of neighbours lays the foundation for an inclusive society.

The gathering included educational segments where youth explained peace from their respective traditions. Representatives from Islam and Christianity focused on faith-based principles of dialogue, while Hindu youth explained the four pillars of Truth, Cleanliness, Compassion, and Austerity.

A young Hindu girl, Chantel, shared that such gatherings help erase the fear of the unknown. She remarked that when youth from different backgrounds share a simple task like planting a tree, they realize that their hopes for a peaceful future are the same.

Poonam, a Sikh participant, shared the message of Ek Onkar, a central tenet signifying the oneness of God and the unity of all creation.

Kashif Anthony, Secretary of the Catholic Commission for Inter-religious Dialogue and Ecumenism, lauded the encounter, saying that such experiences equip children with the skills of peacemakers.

Participants noted that the event fostered open sharing across faiths. The event concluded with the Sarbat Da Bhala, a Sikh prayer for the welfare of all humanity.