Catholic leadership and volunteers in the Archdioceses of Karachi and Hyderabad in southern Pakistan established roadside reception stalls to provide water, milk, juices, and food to Shia Muslim mourners on June 26.
The initiative was organized to express practical solidarity, brotherhood, and interfaith harmony during the 10th of Muharram (Ashura). Ashura marks a solemn period of mourning, observed deeply by the Shia community, to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
As organized processions filled the streets, men, women, and children, dressed in black and carrying traditional Islamic models and replicas (tazia and alam), engaged in traditional mourning and chest-beating.
In Karachi, the initiative was led by Fr. Mario, principal St. Patrick’s High School, marking the third consecutive year the institution has set up camps along the primary procession routes.
Highlighting the impact of the camp, Fr. Benjamin Shehzad, a senior priest in the archdiocese, stated that the initiative served hundreds of individuals at regular intervals. He noted that dedicated volunteers provided vital refreshment to thirsty pedestrians walking uncounted kilometers.
"We Christians believe in freedom of religion," Fr. Shehzad emphasized, adding that the effort aimed to actively promote religious harmony, peace, and the curbing of hatred and discrimination.
Meanwhile, in Hyderabad, the solidarity effort was spearheaded by the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) in collaboration with St. Philip's Parish, under the guidance of Fr. Jamil Albert OFM.
Reflecting on the deeper spiritual and social meaning behind the initiative, Fr. Jamil Albert OFM shared:
"In a world often divided by religious differences, stepping out onto the streets to serve our Shia brothers and sisters is a powerful testament to our shared humanity. True peace isn't just about tolerating one another; it’s about actively standing together in moments of solemnity and grief. By sharing water and food today, we are breaking down walls of misunderstanding and replacing them with bridges of empathy."
Local Muslim community leader and political figure, Kashif Ali Shoro, warmly welcomed the CCJP's presence in Hyderabad, highlighting how such grassroots gestures heal deep-seated societal divisions. Visiting the Catholic stall, Shoro expressed his profound gratitude:
"We are profoundly grateful to Fr. Jamil and the volunteers of St. Philip's Parish," Shoro noted. "When our Christian neighbors share our water and our sorrow, they prove that humanity rises above any sectarian or religious divide.
This water is more than just refreshment; it is a medicine that cures the disease of intolerance in our society. We look forward to reciprocating this beautiful kindness."
Building upon the momentum generated by this year's Ashura processions, Church leadership in both Karachi and Hyderabad made a firm commitment to continue these collaborative interfaith efforts throughout the year.
