Pakistan Top Prelate Calls for Peace and Human Dignity at NCJP Lahore Peace Festival

The Pakistan National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) hosted its annual Peace Festival on September 10, 2026, at the Renewal Center in Lahore, opening with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Samson Shukardin, Chairman of NCJP and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan (CBCP), and concelebrated with around six other priests.

Following the Holy Mass, Bishop Shukardin and diocesan directors officially launched a Peace Rally by cutting a ribbon and releasing white pigeons as symbolic gestures of hope and reconciliation.

Naeem Gill, Executive Director of NCJP, outlined the core aims and objectives of the festival. He highlighted the rich legacy of NCJP, which was initiated by the late Bishop John Joseph and now maintains an active presence across all seven dioceses of Pakistan.

Recognized globally with numerous national and international awards, NCJP remains steadfast in its mission to protect minority rights, foster social cohesion, and build sustainable platforms for communal harmony.

The day’s event featured cultural presentations by children, an exchange of traditional gifts, and an award ceremony honoring NCJP staffers, human rights defenders, lawyers, and journalists for their dedicated work in advancing justice and minority rights.

Key leaders addressed the gathering to emphasize local action and community solidarity. Representing Archbishop Khalid Rehmat of the Archdiocese of Lahore, Fr. Asif Sardar, Vicar General, commended NCJP's unwavering dedication to peacebuilding and community engagement.

He highlighted the critical importance of actively involving youth and engaging diverse segments of society, including women, legal professionals, and grassroots community workers, to build an inclusive and harmonious social structure.

Echoing these sentiments, Fr. Khalid Rasheed Asi, Diocesan Director of NCJP Faisalabad, urged young participants to step forward as peace ambassadors in their communities, reminding them that the youth hold the power to dismantle prejudice and build bridges of trust.

He emphasized that active youth leadership is essential for creating safe, inclusive spaces where future generations can thrive together.

Meanwhile, Kashif Anthony, NCJP Diocesan Coordinator for Karachi, highlighted the necessity of expanding grassroots interfaith dialogue across Pakistan.

He shared insights from field initiatives in Sindh, noting that sustainable harmony can only be achieved when people of different faiths collaborate daily on shared civic challenges and social justice issues.

During the festival, Bishop Shukardin called for a renewed national commitment to peacebuilding, structural equality, and religious harmony. He urged faith leaders to take direct responsibility for dismantling hate speech and countering extremist narratives.

"Peace is a daily commitment to justice, empathy, and respect for every human being regardless of their background," Bishop Shukardin emphasized, noting that protecting fundamental rights and strengthening civic institutions are critical to safeguarding vulnerable communities.

Organized by the NCJP, the human rights arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, the annual festival brings together civil society, legal professionals, and faith communities to advance pluralism and grassroots peace initiatives.