Saba Trust Holds Third
Annual World Interfaith Peace Conference
Glimpses
of the Third Annual World Interfaith Peace Conference
organized by the Saba Trust in Rawalpindi
|
Rawalpindi:
Under the auspices of Saba Aslam Education and Welfare Trust
(SAEWT) a World Interfaith Peace Conference was held in
Rawalpindi. Third of its kind, the conference was sponsored
by the Chairman and Founder of SAEWT, Mr. Saghir Aslam.
For the last fifty years, Mr. Aslam has been working in
the field of welfare and education for the destitute and
needy people. In 1957, he formed the first cosmopolitan
club in his college days in Sacramento, CA, US. This club
represented 25 countries, and its mission was to herald
all faiths in their work towards humanity.
In his welcome address Mr. Saghir Aslam stressed that religion
and human rights have a very close relationship, adding
that all the religions of the world are the foremost advocates,
promoters and defenders of human rights. He emphasized that
the communities of all faiths should equally share the responsibilities
of protecting the rights of others and promote peace and
harmony.
Addressing the conference was the former Federal Minister,
Rufin Julius who highlighted the role of religion in promoting
love, peace and harmony in all faiths. He said that freedom
of religion in the present era seemed greater and more urgent
than ever before. He emphasized respect for all religions
and their messengers. He asserted that this can only be
achieved if we respect each other with the core of our hearts.
Ruffin Julius, went on to say; “Only knowledge of
God is not enough but it must be reflected in our daily
actions, in practical life. I thank God Almighty that Mr.
Saghir Aslam is implementing God’s will practically
on the earth according to his wishes. I thank that he does
not restrict these beautiful programs to only his community
but he invites all communities to participate. He visited
Gujranwala and other remotest places. Just a friend from
this conference indicated that Mr. Saghir went to Sakardu
to help the poor people and set up computer labs and provided
clothes. As I watched Saghir during lunch time, I was astonished
to see that he was serving lunch to all communities. Saghir
Aslam personally held camps at our Christian churches that
distribute food, clothing, toys and other items. Before
Easter and Christmas and throughout the year Saba Trust
is doing a fantastic job in creating harmony and peace between
all faiths, including Christians, who are the largest minority
in Pakistan, and Saba Trust has done what many just talk
about.”
Mr. J Salik, former Federal Minister in his thought-provoking
speech mentioned a particular Islamic point of view. He
gave examples of Prophet Mohammad’s life (peace be
upon him) and stated that Islam unreservedly and categorically
appeals and urges its followers to respect the rights and
faiths of other human beings. Mr. J Salik observed, “I
am thankful to Mr. Saghir who is an active man and bears
the name of good character, and Islamic charity. He has
worked hard in every field and every faith to help the poor
people. He is providing education, clothes, toys, medicine
and food to the needy. Whenever I contacted him on telephone,
whether day or night, I saw him working 24 hours a day.
I went to the US, and he was always available and in contact
with me. He has a unique character that exudes compassion
and action. He may not be listening, to what I am saying
but his energy and hard work show his dedication. He does
require much rest in life. He is bargaining with God Almighty
and he will be rewarded by God. This is his honest mission
and we should all implement this mission in our practical
lives. Saghir has accomplished this in a complete and beautiful
manner.”
Professor Mehrdad along with Sarosh Najmi and a number of
their community members, including females, were present
to represent The Bahai Community. Professor Mehrdad gave
a brief introduction of his faith, and stated that “all
faiths preach love, respect and peace and none of the religions
teaches violence and hatred. In fact, religion is not a
construction of the human mind, rather is a divine origin,
supernatural or mysterious and its purpose is to provide
an effective link between the world and God.”
Beside other speakers, Punnu Lal, Mukesh, Sat Ram Das and
Aachar Ram represented the Hindu community and projected
their point of view about attaining peaceful coexistence
between all human beings irrespective of religion or faiths.
Hector Aleem, Chairman “Peace World Wide,” addressed
the gathering and said that his organization is working
on interfaith dialogue for the last ten years and has been
represented at UNO, USA, Switzerland and many other countries.
President, Father Jacob Joseph Doger and founder General
Secretary, Pervaiz Sohail of Muttahidda Masehi were also
present.
The forum stressed the need for closer relations between
all faiths and felt that working with other faiths could
dismantle the fear of the unknown and bring harmony, peace
and love between all human beings. Junaid Swati, Director
Diya Development Foundation,and Iqbal Ur Rehman, Country
General Manager, National Commission for Human Development,
also addressed the Third Interfaith Conference.
• Saba Trust works on interfaith issues throughout
the year in an effort to better the lot of adherents of
all faiths. It supports educational programs, holds conferences
and distributes food, clothing and medicines among the needy
irrespective of their religious creed. The Third Interfaith
Conference which had a wide and diverse representation –
Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Parsi, Buddhists, Bahis - was
described a complete success by the participants. Harmony
and mutual respect were its hallmarks.
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