LAHORE: Amid rising hate speech, incitement to violence, and sectarian tensions, the people of Lahore witnessed a strong call for religious and sectarian harmony today on 18th June, 2026 during an Interfaith Rwadari Peace Caravan organized by Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan to mark the month of Muharram.  

This Rwadari Peace Caravan is part of Rwadari Tehreek’s “Peaceful Muharram Campaign” which also includes social media interventions and other initiatives. These efforts urge citizens to refrain from sectarian hate speech and violence, remain peaceful, and call on the government, state institutions, and all stakeholders to remain vigilant and adopt a policy of zero tolerance against hate speech and incitement to violence. 

Beginning at the historic National Council of Churches of Pakistan’s (NCCP) compound, the Interfaith Rwadari Caravan passed through several roads of Lahore and culminated at Karbala Gamay Shah, one of Lahore’s oldest Imambargahs. Participants chanted slogans for peace, interfaith harmony, and against hate speech. Upon reaching Karbala Gamay Shah, the caravan was warmly received by the caretakers of the Imambargah and Shia community leadership. The caravan projected national unity and delivered a clear message to reject sectarian tensions that have damaged Pakistan’s social fabric for decades.  

The caravan was led by Mr. Samson Salamat, Chairman of Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan. Prominent religious and civil society leaders from different faiths and sects joined, including Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar, Dean of the Diocese of Raiwind, Church of Pakistan, Pastor Amir Dyal and Muslim scholars Syed Waqar Hussain Naqvi, Allama Abbas Shirazi, Allama Dr. Badar Munir, Allama Asghar Arif Chisti, Pandit Bhagat Lal Kokhar & Dr. Adoo Ram, representing the Hindu community and leadership of Rwadari Tehreek Lahore Nosheen Khalid, Vickram Manzoor, Dr. Neelam Gill & Ashiknaz Khokhar.   

Addressing the interfaith gathering, Mr. Samson Salamat said “Rising religious and sectarian intolerance is a matter of grave concern. Maintaining a peaceful environment in our country during Muharram must be our top priority. All responsible stakeholders must fulfill their duties without negligence to prevent further chaos.” Mr. Samson Salamat urged the government and institutions responsible for peace and security to exercise “zero tolerance” for hate speech and sectarian incitement, and to ensure foolproof security for all religious gatherings and processions during Muharram and also appealed to citizens to refrain from hate speech and incitement, and to cooperate with local administration to maintain peace and security. 

Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar, Syed Waqar Hussain Naqvi, Dr. Badar Munir, Pandit Bhagat Lal Kokhar, Allama Abbas Shirazi and Allam Asghar Arif Chisti also addressed the gathering. They pledged to play their role as religious leaders in promoting interfaith respect and maintaining a peaceful environment during Muharram.