Pakistan: Lahore Archdiocese Leads Interfaith Visit to Promote Religious Harmony

The Interfaith Dialogue Commission of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lahore, in collaboration with the Human Friends Organization (HFO), organized an interfaith exposure visit to places of worship in Lahore, Pakistan, on June 10 to promote mutual understanding and social harmony among different religious communities.

Thirty participants, including Muslims, Hindus, and Christians from various faith traditions and Christian denominations, took part in the initiative.

The visit began at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore, the capital of Pakistan’s Punjab province, where Lahore Archbishop Khalid Rehmat welcomed the delegation.

During an opening discussion, Archbishop Rehmat said interfaith harmony is essential for building peace in society. Referring to the Catholic Church’s commemoration of the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, he noted that the saint’s historic encounter with Al-Kamil in Egypt remains a model for overcoming divisions and fostering mutual understanding.

To symbolize solidarity, the archbishop, organizers, and participants jointly lit a candle as a sign of their shared commitment to peace and coexistence.

Sajid Christopher of HFO said such initiatives help break down social barriers, correct misconceptions, and encourage direct engagement among different religious communities.

Fr. Naqash Azam, director of the Archdiocese’s Interfaith Dialogue Commission, moderated the session and emphasized that dialogue must be accompanied by practical encounters that enable people of different faiths to build relationships and coexist peacefully.

The delegation later visited Krishna Mandir, a Hindu temple, and the historic Badshahi Mosque, one of South Asia’s largest mosques. Religious leaders at both sites introduced participants to the beliefs, traditions, and practices of their respective faiths.

At Krishna Mandir, Hindu leader Pandit Kashi Ram said genuine spirituality is rooted in universal brotherhood and respect for all people, regardless of religious affiliation. He added that shared experiences in sacred spaces can help reduce prejudice and strengthen social cohesion.

During the visit to Badshahi Mosque, Muslim scholar Mufti Syed Ashiq Hussain said Islam teaches the protection of minorities and respect for their places of worship. He noted that joint visits by religious leaders demonstrate that people of different faiths can live together peacefully and reject violence and discrimination.

Participants said the experience helped foster mutual respect and challenged stereotypes.

Muslim scholar Maulana Asim Makhdum described the initiative as an important step toward promoting lasting peace, tolerance, and understanding among Pakistan’s diverse religious communities