Building Bridges
By Dr James Shera
Former Mayor of Rugby
UK
For many years, Ambassador Akbar Ahmed has worked very hard to promote interfaith harmony, trust, and confidence among diverse faiths. In recent years, it has become more vital to promote better understanding, trust, and mutual respect between faiths and society.
Ambassador Akbar Ahmed’s recent visit to Europe and Pakistan this summer provided him the opportunity to call on the Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Army, General Qamar Bajwa, and again he has discussed with him how important it is for us to look after the interest of the minority communities by showing them honor. He mentioned my name and that he wanted to organize a meeting of different Christian Bishops of Pakistan, including the Cardinal, to show respect and solidarity with the faith and their contribution to society. He emphasized that this was in keeping with the vision of the Quaid-i-Azam. The General was kind enough to accept the idea straight away and within two months he called a dinner meeting of all of the bishops of Pakistan including the Cardinal. Dr Amineh Hoti, who is working for interfaith understanding, also played a vital role in conceiving this exercise.
On behalf of all who support interfaith understanding and friendship and work for it we applaud the General's initiative. It carries great symbolism and has encouraged the minorities to feel themselves as a respected part of society. On behalf of my community I salute the General.
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