Pakistan: In the midst of the prevailing atmosphere of hate speech, instigation of violence and tensions, the  people of Lahore witnessed the urge for religious and sectarian tolerance, respect and harmony during an Interfaith Peaceful Rally of Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan held on July 17, 2023 ahead of the month of Moharam.   

This Interfaith Rwadari Caravan of Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan passed through different roads of Lahore and reached Karbla Gamay Shah (one of the oldest Imam Bargah of Lahore) to express togetherness and to deliver a message of peace to refrain from sectarian tensions which has been damaging the nation for last few decades.

Rwadari Caravan was led by Chairman Rwadari Tehreek Mr. Samson Salamat and participated by prominent Religious and Social leadership of different religions and sects including Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar (Dean of Diocese of Raiwind, Church of Pakistan), Rev, Sylvester Tahir Bhatti, Pastor Saleem Khokhar, Muslim religious leaders Syed Waqar Hussain Naqvi, Allama Abbass Shirazi and Pandit Bhagat Lal Khokhar and Dr. Adoo Ram of Hindu Community.   

Rwadari Caravan began from National Council of Church, Lahore and passed through different roads, chanted slogans of peace, and inter-faith harmony and against hate speech. Caravan reached Karbla Gamay Shah where it was overwhelmingly received by the care-takers of Imam Bargah and leadership of the Shia Community.

Mr. Samson Salamat, Chairman Rwadari Tehreek addressing this interfaith moot said that “increase in the religious and sectarian intolerance and tensions is a matter of grave concern and therefore the maintenance of peaceful environment within our country during the month of Moharam should be our priority and all responsible stake-holders need to fulfill their responsibilities without any negligence to avoid further chaos”. Rwadari Tehreek suggested that “the Government and the institutions responsible for maintenance of peace and security should exercise “Zero Tolerance” for hate speech and instigation of sectarian violence and ensure fool proof security for all religious gatherings and processions during Moharam” Mr. Samson Salamat added. Mr. Samson Salamat also appealed to the citizens to refrain from hate speech, instigation and cooperate with the local administration to maintain peace and security”

Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar, Rev. Sylvester Tahir Bhatti and Syed Waqar Hussain Naqvi also spoke at this occasion and pledged to play their role as religious leaders to promote interfaith respect and maintain peaceful environment during Moharam