Pakistan: Lahore Archbishop Emphasizes Family Values at Minority Women’s Leadership Conference

Metropolitan Archbishop Khalid Rehmat of Lahore, Pakistan, has issued a call for the protection and strengthening of the family unit as the spiritual and social foundation for the next generation.

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the Minority Women Leadership Conference held in Lahore on April 17, 2026, the Archbishop emphasized that the journey toward community leadership and spiritual growth must begin within the home.

Organized by Life for Guardian Foundation (LGF), a Lahore-based NGO engaged in peacebuilding and women empowerment, the event brought together over 200 women leaders, educators, and social workers from across the Punjab province to discuss the empowerment of marginalized religious communities.

In his keynote address, Archbishop Khalid Rehmat stressed that the primary mission of the community is to provide a firm moral and spiritual foundation for its children. He identified the family as the "first school of faith" and stated that the survival of the community’s heritage depends on intentional upbringing.

"Our mission is to bring our new generation to Jesus," the Archbishop declared. He urged parents and leaders to prioritize teaching the core values of the Holy Gospel, love, compassion, and integrity to ensure that the youth are equipped to be light-bearers in a challenging social environment. He warned that without a firm foundation in Christ, the next generation remains vulnerable to secular pressures.

The spiritual cornerstone of the event was the biblical verse from Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you." Archbishop Rehmat used this scripture to redefine leadership as a form of communal service rather than a position of authority.

He explained that when women, whom he described as the "architects" of the family, invest their time, wisdom, and faith into their households, the blessings of that investment return to the entire community in abundance. He encouraged the attendees to see themselves as guardians of both their families and the Church’s future, noting that leadership is most impactful when rooted in selfless giving

Sr. Genevieve Ramlal, representing the Sisters of Charity and the Pakistan Catholic Women Organization (PCWO), shared reflections on the spiritual motivation behind her service.

She stated that her life and work are profoundly influenced by the life of Jesus and the dedicated, humble service modelled by the Blessed Virgin Mary. Sister Ramlal encouraged participants to draw strength from these divine examples as they navigate their own leadership journeys.

The organizers at LGF, led by Executive Director Mehnaz Javed, stated that the foundation remains dedicated to the social and spiritual elevation of marginalized groups through leadership training and legal advocacy.

Mehnaz Javed concluded the proceedings by reaffirming the commitment to providing minority women with the tools necessary to bridge the gap between their professional aspirations and their spiritual responsibilities.

The event ended with a formal pledge by the attendees to maintain their cultural and religious heritage through education and Gospel-based values.