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4. Peace Conference at the Pastoral Institute, Multan
The third and largest celebration of the International Day of Peace was held at the Pastoral Institute Multan. This function took place at 5:00PM with the releasing of doves and balloons in the air. One plant of peace was planted by the representatives of Islam, Christianity and Hinduism. It was planted in the lawn of the Pastoral Institute by Ali Raza Gardezi, Mrs. Zuhra Zaidi, Mr. Sabtain Raza Lodhi, Mrs. Yasmeen Khakwani, Mr. Ziaul Rehman (Muslims) Dr. Kishwar Murad Kishwar (Hindu), Fr James Channan and Miss Ann Mary (Christians).
These events were followed by the Peace Conference in the nicely decorated auditorium of the Institute on the theme of “The Role of Civil Society in Promoting Global Peace.” The conference began with a recitation for the holy book of Muslims, Christians and Hindus. During the conference, the Candle of Peace was lit by the representative of different organizations and religions. A group of 25 students of the Pastoral Institute presented two beautiful peace songs and a tableau as well. The member of the Women and Children Disabled Welfare also presented a lovely tableau on peace. One minute of silent prayers was observed for the peace of the world.
This conference was jointly organized by the following organizations; Directors or Representatives of all these associations were present.
1. United Religions Initiative Pakistan, Fr James Channan OP
2. The Pastoral Institute Multan, Mr. Francis Daniel Assistant Director
3. Awaz Foundation, Director Mr. Zia ul Rahman
4. Justice and Peace Commission Pakistan, Executive Secretary Dr. Alwin Murad
5. CARITAS Pakistan Multan, Mr. Gulzar
6. Amnesty International, Mrs. Zuhra Zaidi
7. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Ms. Shaista
8. Pakistan Christian Writers Guild, Mr. Javed Yad
9. National Justice and Peace Commission Pakistan, Mr. Saleem Raza
10. Civil Society URI CC Multan, Dr. Kishwar Murad Kishwar
11. Citizen Democratic Forum, Mr. Javed Sohail
12. Women and Children Disabled Care Multan, Mrs. Ruth Hanif Lal
13. Women’s Rights Association, Mrs. Yasmeen Khakwani
14. Small Productions Organization Multan, Mr. Sabtain Lodhi
15. Multan Cresent Lines Club, Mr. Sabtain Lodhi
16. Taraqi Pasand Organization, Ms. Samina Naz
17. Multan Peace Network, Mr. Jamil
18. Suwail Development Organization, Ms. Yasmeen Khakwani
19. Alqaim Organization, Ali Gardezi
20. Coalition Against Child Labor Punjab, Shaista Jabeen
21. Diocese Catechetical Commission Multan, Miss Safya Piyara
22. Christian Welfare Orgaization, Mr. Sharif Bahadar
23. SEAP Pakistan, Asim Mumtaz, Advocate
All persons mentioned above represented their organizations and gave a speech of five minutes each on their points of view on global peace, the challenges it is facing and what role their organization is playing to promote peace in the world. All highlighted the importance of the Civil Society in promoting global peace, respect for humanity, equality, religious freedom of all and rights of women and minorities. The challenges faced by the UN were also highlighted. The annunciation of the International Day of Peace was highly appreciated. All vowed to support the noble cause of the United Nations. The dangers to peace caused by terrorism, hate crimes, weapons of mass destruction, arm race and atom bombs were also mentioned.
The message of the Kofi Annan on the occasion of the International Day of Peace was read and it was deeply appreciated by all the participants. It was listened to with great respect and care.
Toward the end of the conference following Resolutions were unanimously approved by all.
1. We appeal to the governments of all countries to work jointly for the termination of terrorism in the world. In order to provide a firm foundation for peace, take out armed forces from Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine, Kashmir and Ireland. The countries who have occupied these countries must vacate them and act upon the golden role of “To Live and Let Live.”
2. All countries of the world must sign and accept the Treaty to Ban Small (and Big) Weapons. We also appeal to all countries to stop making weapons of mass destruction, fatal armaments and demonstration of these weapons as well.
3. In order to overcome hunger and poverty make just distribution of resources in the world.
4. We urge the government of Pakistan to declare the celebration of the International Day of Peace at the national level.
5. We urge the government of Pakistan to review our education curricula and take out all those chapters which give rise to discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, religion and gender. Such discriminatory elements must be replaced with the teachings of peace, love, mutual respect and tolerance and interfaith dialogue.
It was for the very first time in the history of Multan that the International Day of Peace was celebrated on such a grand scale by so many organizations. And it can be very confidently said that it was the largest program of entire country which was jointly organized by 23 different organizations which are working both at national and international levels.
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