Embassy hosts Interfaith Iftar
The Embassy of Pakistan hosted an Interfaith Iftar today inviting people from various faiths to join the traditional breaking of the fast in the Holy month of Ramadan. The gathering is an annual feature of the Embassy’s calendar of events and serves as a useful outreach platform.
Religious leaders representing Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam and other religions attended the event. Also among the participants were Congressman Rep. Andre Carson, Ambassador of Nepal Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, members of the diplomatic corps, U.S. administration, academia, think-tank experts and human rights practitioners.
Speaking on the occasion, Chargé d’ Affaires Dr. Asad M. Khan emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance, fraternity and compassion. He also cited relevant verses of the Holy Quran and examples from the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on the subject.
Dr. Khan highlighted that the newly elected democratic Government of Pakistan under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was committed to the vision of the Quaid-e-Azam for a pluralistic, democratic Pakistan where all citizens enjoy equal rights and freedom to practice their faith.
The Chargé d’ Affaires stressed that religion and its common spiritual underpinnings should serve as a unifying force for good to prevent a handful of zealots who are using violence and coercion to create divisions among the rest of humanity.
Rep. Andre Carson appreciated the Embassy’s efforts in bringing together representatives of different faiths and stressed on the need to promote interfaith harmony.
On the occasion, religious leaders of Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Muslim communities recited prayers from their respective faiths – each underlining the common message of peace, love for humanity, mutual harmony and greater religious freedom. They all praised the Embassy’s initiative as a timely and necessary step to foster better understanding among followers of all religions.
Names of the leaders:-
Rep Andre Carson (Muslim US Congressman)
Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma (Amb of Nepal)
Imam Mohamed Magid (Islam)
Rev. Dr. Carol Flett (Christianity)
Rabbi Bruce Lustig (Judaism)
Mr. William Aiken (Buddhism)
Mr. Nanik Lahori (Hinduism)
Bhai Gurdarshan Singh (Sikhism)
July 30, 2013
Washington DC,
