CELEBRATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE IN PAKISTAN
The United Religions Initiative along with Youth Parliament of Pakistan organized the celebration of International Day of Peace (IDP) . This program was organized on 26th of September at the URI Regional Office in Lahore, in which over 225 Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Baha’i participated in. After the offering of prayers from the Sacred Scriptures of various religions the Chief Guest and Guest of Honor were welcomed with flowers and balloon and with a good will banner which was flown in the air by these them. The message of Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of UN was read by Mrs. Jocelyn Saeed.
“While being here at the IDP I have realized that there are people who are devoted to promote peace and it is because of them that our world is going on. Otherwise, we had been going through so much pain and sufferings for the past couple of months in Pakistan. Particularly the tragedy of Gojra ( in which 7 Christians were burnt alive), Sambrial, Korian and Bambni Wala, where violence was done in the name of religion and several houses of Christians were burnt to ashes, and bomb blasts in several other places made us all very disappointed. I feel renewed and energized and this IDP has given me a new hope for peace and I feel like participate in a festival.” These are the words of Auxiliary Bishop Sebastian Shah of Lahore. He president over this program. Bishop Shah appreciated this event and said today we are speaking of peace. Let this peace keep on flourishing in our midst. Let us work for peace and work for justice. Let us not train our children for war but give them education of peace.”
Mr. Abrarul Haq, the Chief Guest, - Chairman of Youth Parliament of Pakistan and the most famous folk singer of Pakistan - said, “ The message of singers and artist reaches every home through their voice and art. There can be no better message than peace to the world. There is a need to promote peace at every level of life and there is need to educate our people for it. “ He particularly challenged youth to work for peace and said that since 70 % of our population in Pakistan consists of youth they needed a plat form to promote and be educated for peace and the Youth Parliament has given them this plat form. And I have provide it ” He also announced that there are over 75,000 members of this Youth Parliament in Pakistan and we are teaching them to work in harmony and live in peace. He said ‘No man is an island. We do need on another. Let us work jointly and this way we can mobile people for peace.”
Mr. Suhail Warriach, a famous anchors of Geo TV, Pakistan, said,” By participating in this event I feel that the dream of peace which I had seen has become a reality.’ He also said that, “No better dream than this can been seen nor is it possible to see and imagine what I have seen today.” He was grateful to fr James and others who had organized this event. He lamented that countless people have been killed in the name of religions. He said that such things should not happen. He said that I feel ashamed the way minorities are treated and persecuted in Pakistan.” He also recalled the words of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Founder of Pakistan, who had seen a dream that people of all religions will live in harmony in our country and it will be a country of peace.” He said that today by participating in this program of URI I am very hopeful of a better future. Yes peace is possible when we unite.
The Grand Imam of Badshahi Mosque and Global Trustee of URI, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, said, we are very happy and proud that so many religious leaders from different religions and others have participated in this event. Our forefathers have given a lot of sacrifices for this country. He strongly condemned those Muslims who carry on attacks and persecute minorities in the country. He said, such people (Muslims) are purely terrorists and they are Muslims by name only and they have nothing to do with the teaching of Islam which is peace. These people are destroying the religion of Islam. Today we must denounce such mentality and work jointly for love.
Fr James Channan, congratulated and thanked all participants from various religions. He said we do need to promote peace at all levels of lives. Let the youth, religious leaders, singers, writers, TV channel anchors, artists, women and children promote peace in whatever capacity they are working. He quoted the message of late Pope John Paul II that the building of peace is built upon four pillars: “Love, justice, equality and religious freedom” and it is important to work for all these elements which can bring lasting peace in the world. He highlighted the efforts of URI for peace and interfaith harmony in the world. He thanked Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, for his inspiring message for IDP that “We Must Disarm”. Fr Channan also thanked and admired for this inspiration of Goi Peace Foundation, World Peace Prayer Society and Byakko Shinko, Japan, which are working for promoting peace all around the world. He also extended greetings and good wishes for Muslims who were celebrating Eidul Fitr.
Mr. Akram Masih Gill, Member of the Parliament, Pakistan, Fr Abad Habib OFM, CAP, President of the Major Superiors Leadership Conference of Pakistan and Maulana Javed Akbar Saqi, Chairman of the Wahdat Islami Movement also addressed the participants and expressed their gratitude and admiration for celebration of the IDP.
A 7 minutes video presentation of URI was also done. This video was released by the Head Office in San Francisco.
For this program Sr. Sabina Rifat, URI Women Coordinator, had prepared special presentations and tableaus of women and children with messages of peace, unity and hope. Her programs were greatly admired by all guests. She also recited peace poems. Mr. Yuel Bhatti, Executive Secretary of URI Pakistan was the stage Secretary, while over one dozen URI CC Coordinators were present and contributed their best to make this program very successful.
This program lasted for more that 4 hours and all guests highly admired this celebration and ended with festive dinner.
Reported by:
Fr James Channan OP
URI Regional Coordinator Pakistan
7 October 2009
Celebration of International Day of Peace-Five event report with Slideshow Links
NOTE: This report from Yuel Bhatti in Pakistan represents such dedication. It is hard to imagine anyone devoting more energy to humanitarian interests. We also learn that Yuel has launched an ABC4All / Pakistan Education System. Clearly such a development deserves all support possible. We are so grateful for all the extensive efforts from Yuel despite working often under very difficult and challenging local conditions. We wish him SAFETY and PROTECTION in all that he does. --Burton Danet, Ph.D. Co-Founder, ABC4All
Dear URI Family,
Warm greetings from Yuel Bhatti Coordinator URI Lahore MCC!
Lahore MCC orgainzed five events on the celebration of International Day of Peace 2009 with coordination of URI Pakistan and Local A Better Community for All / Pakistan , Rotary Club-Lahore, Central Church, Lahore, St. Peter’s Cambridge School & Daffodils English Medium School, M.I. Goethen High School and ABC4All - Education System.
1.Celebration of International Day of Peace - Rotary Club of Lahore. Centennial Elite
http://www.slide.com/r/POszrF741z-Gy2VAP490XXiNPxZxQrBz?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original
The celebrations of IDP 2009 started in Pakistan on 17th September 2009 when Rotary Club of Lahore Centennial Elite hold an Iftar Party (Holy month of Ramadan) and Celebrated the International Day of Peace. Mr. Yuel Bhatti being the Community Director of the club was the organizer of the event. Iftar party was the hosted by the Christian members of the club.
Rtn. Faisal Qureshi, President of the Club presided over the event and Fr. James Channan OP, URI Regional Coordinator Pakistan and Rtn.Saeed Shamshi, Past Governor were the guest of honor.
The program was stared with interfaith prayers followed by National Anthem.
The President opened the event that today we have started the celebration of International Day of Peace by reflecting the Rotary is promote peace and UN day observance is recalling us to Unite for Peace. The situation of the country is very disturbing, dangerous, unrest and clouds of terrorism are on us every time. We don’t what will be happened, when and where. So let us pray for Peace in Holy month of Ramadan. I am thankful to our Christian members, Mr. Yuel Bhatt, Rev. Akbar Khokar, Rev. Fraz Malik and Mr. Taraq Shaheen who are the host of Iftar Party.
Rtn. Saeed Shamsi said, to day when we are celebrating the International Day of Peace. There are utmost needs of Justice. When there is no justice no peace. Let us stand up to create a culture of justice and reconciliation. We have to respect human values. Especially we have respected the minorities. The incident like Gojra is bad name of Islam. When some fundamentalists Muslims attacked the Christian colony burnt their houses and many people killed. It is not Jehad. In certain occasion we did not respect each other and create misunderstanding in the society.
Fr. James Channan OP said, today it is my privileged that being old Rotarian, I addressing the Rotarian on the International Day of Peace. Today World Peace situation is alarming us to Unite for Peace and I invite you all let us stand up for interfaith dialogue for peace. It is time for reconciliation of all issues. Wars are not salutation for Peace and issues. The United Nations Secretary General Ban ki-moon said in his message on the IDP. ‘I have a simple Message for all: We Must Disarm! We Must Have Peace. In Holy month of Ramdan we have to eliminate against the poverty and fight for hunger.
Souvenirs were awarded to the guests and Flower were award to Dr. Kanwal Feroze, pioneer member of URI who is awarded for Presidential Civil Award.
At the end all participants break the fast by joining Iftar Party.
2.Celebration of International Day of Peace at Central Church-Lahore
Click Slide show of Celebration of IDP 2009
http://www.slide.com/r/gzMVY2X25D-EFVEyJlGzkch5v7m0PHxd?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original
On September 20, 2009 (Sunday) we celebrated the IDP 2009 at the Centeral Church Waris, Road, and Lahore which is oldest Church and belong to Church of Pakistan. While starting the worship Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar announced that today’s our service is dedicated to the “International Day of Peace 2009”. We are much glad thankful that Mr. Yuel Bhatti always awakes the congregation by spreading the Peace and Love as we in May 2009 celebrated the Global Love Day in aspiration of Unconditional love and today celebration the International Day of Peace is a great need of time indeed. As we all knows that we all are not saving in the hard war of terror in Pakistan and other Country like, Iraq, Afghstan, Kashmir. We are all one humanity and connected each other. Our Jesus Christ is “Prince of Peace” and His message is Peace.
Mr. Yuel Bhatti, said, I am very happy and thankful the Congregation and Pastor Emmanuel who gave the opportunity for sharing about the IDP. He reflect the history of International of Peace as declared by United Nations and celebrated around the world and today we all are connected with World and Peace Lover Peoples and Organizations and said that URI Pakistan celebrated this day every year. But now there is utmost need of Peace and harmony and especially Religious harmony is our target. As you all know the tragic incident of Gojra, Kasur and Sialkot and conflict between Muslims and Christian d We untidily can explore the voice for peace and love. Now it is the time forgiveness, reconciliation and promotes the interfaith dialogue for Peace. The Message of UN General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon is very clear and simple for Peace that “WE Must disarm! We Must Have Peace” and alert message to all Nations and Countries So let unite for Peace and Pray for Peace daily for “One Minute for Peace” One Minute Can Change the World.
Pastor Asif Arthur (Youth Leader of Peace and Development –CC) specially prayed for Peace in Pakistan and all over the World.
Church Choir led by Mr. Naukhez and Anwar Ernest sing Peace songs.
Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar delivered the sermon on Peace and harmony in the present scenario of the country and world. And appeal all the congregations daily pray for Peace as “Prayer Change the things” He urges the Youth to come forward for promotion of peace and harmony. May Peace be in all country specially there are wars, terrorism and violence and May Peace Prevail in Pakistan!
3. Celebration of International Day of Peace at St. Peter’s CambridgeSchool and Daffodils English Medium School-Lahore
Click Slide Show of Celebration of IDP 2009
http://www.slide.com/r/w1lX4so24T8-zaggvV_hc0iMtDf9U4ES?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original
These two Schools are run by the one private Management. Mr. Mubarik Waris and Miss Komal Sehar are the Principles. They are on my net work for Peace Education. 400 Christian and Muslims students are study, fun, eating together. Such celebrations are celebrated in spirit of Oneness. As on Sept. 21, 2009, due to Eid Holidays school was closed and IPD 2009 was conducted on 24 September 2009. The teachers and Mr. Yuel made the preparation before that. The students prepared the placards reflect peace and need of Peace and Harmony.
The Program was started with Interfaith Prayers. Mr. Yuel Bhatti Reflect the need of celebration of IDP 2009 and stress that our every day is Peace day and Peace begins with us and me.
The Students of Daffodils present peace tubule, Sings peace songs and recite the Peace Poems.
The Students of St. Peter’s joined in Peace Walk by holding the Peace placards and Countries Flag for the solidarity with world Peace.
Miss Sajida Rose (Youth Coordinator of ABC4ALL) said I am very much inspired for the celebration of IDP in these two schools. “May God be using us for the instruments for Peace” I congratulate the staff and children for wonderful celebration of Peace Day
May Peace be in our families!
May Peace be in our community!
May Peace be in where there is violence!
May Peace be in all Countries!
May Peace Prevail on Earth!
May Peace Prevail in Pakistan!
Rev. Asif Arthur Prayed for Peace and Mr. Mubrik Waris and Miss Komal Sehar thanks Mr. Yuel and his team for wonderful celebration in our school. They said such program will be continuing as there is great need peace of time indeed to promote Peace and Harmony.
4.Celebration of International Day of Peace at M.I.Gothenburg High School
Click Slide Show of Celebration of IDP 2009
http://www.slide.com/r/xKJMmWGHzT8EnlrH6igx4bKMFfYRidUz?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original
The celebration of IDP 2009 was held on 24th September 2009 at I.M. Gothenburg Public School-Lahore. In this School 600 hundred Muslim and Christian Students studying together.
Mrs. Ernest Fahim, Vice Principal welcome all the guests and reflect the UN declaration about the “International Day of Peace” and thanks the URI Pakistan, aspiration for promoting Interfaith dialogue for Peace in Pakistan . Last year URI Lahore MCC erected the this Peace Pole in our school on the International Day of Peace and is a great spiritually and worship when in the morning assembly all children are assembled in front of Peace Pole and pray for Peace. We all recited “May Peace Prevail on Earth!” Its all credit goes to Mr. Yuel Bhatti Sahib, who occasionally come over to our school and shares the message of Peace and love. I am very much impressed dedication of Fr. James Channan of URI in Pakistan. We attended many events in URI Pakistan head office.
Miss Sajida Rose, Said that this is my third event of IDP 2009 on which I addressing the children. I am so glad and inspired that URI is spreading the message of Peace in different school’s children and dedication of Mr.Yuel and Fr. James Channan OP Leadership is inspiring and unique in Pakistan. My dear Children you are the “Peace Angles” come forward to promote peace with your daily behavior, respect your teacher, elders and parents and with your education spread the message of Peace and love!
I am very much Impressed that placards which you are holding with countries flags are reflecting real spirit of solidarity around the world. On my right side this Peace Pole is really significant sign of daily Peace prayer.
May really Peace Prevail on Earth!
May Peace Prevail in Pakistan!
Mr. Yuel Bhatt, It is my spiritually satisfaction that we are celebrating the International Day of Peace with children of all ages. I congratulate the administration for wonderful celebration of IDP 2009. My dear children you are our future and you have take the social responsibilities and this is your learning time and also you may explore your voice for Peace and harmony. I know that Christian and Muslims students studied, fun and eat together and a wonderful example of Religious Harmony. I urge all the student and teachers as well. You may dedicate “ONE MINUTE FOR PEACE PRAYER” AND ONE MINUTE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD. God Bless you all and May Peace Prevail on Earth!
Mr. Ernest Fahim, Principal said, my dear children when you watch the T.V. and read the news Paper and observed that maximum news are contains on violence, wars, Bomb Blast and terrorism. Now it is time to pledge ourself for promotion of peace with our attitude, study and daily prayer. I am really thankful of Mr.Yuel and his team who is promoting peace and harmony in the country and mostly delivered the message and peace and love in our school for peace education. Soon we are holding great event in which we will invite the other schools students.
5.Celebration of International Day of Peace at ABC4All/Pakistan Education System
http://www.slide.com/r/kpAWExTt4T98SBCp1yYZDHxesmdCaxDM?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original
The ABC4All (A Better Community for All / Pakistan) adopted a home school which is consisting on one room. Christian and Muslim fifty five students from Nursery to class fifth are studying with free education. Do not have Uniform, Books (Full syllabus) and Furniture. The students belong to depressed families and unable to afford their education expenses but are determined for Education.
School Celebrated the IDP 2009 on 28th September 2009 evening. Mr. Yuel Bhatt, Co-Founder of ABC4ALL/Pakistan presided over the ceremony. Miss Sajida Rose (Youth Coordinator and teacher of the School) was the master of ceremony who presents the wonderful events of the students.
The program was started with prayer of student. The students present beautiful tubules reflecting peace and harmony in the families and need of Education and Education is a best tool for peace and sing Peace songs.
Mrs. Agnes Aslam, Headmistress of the School Welcome the guests with gratitude and said, today this is our first social program consisting on celebration of “International Day of Peace” . It is really joy for me that Mr. Yuel Bhatti encourage us for holding this event. Although we don’t have our financial sources. I appreciate for his coordination. I have started this school with commitment for free education but now it is so hard to run it. I am thankful Mr. Yuel for his financial support. Well these children needs proper education with full educational environment. I pray that May God provide the sources.
Pastor Asif Arthur (URI Youth Leader) reflects the need of Peace and history of International Day of Peace and encourages the children for study and prayer for peace. In our country there is great need of peace. Daily we watch the T.V. and always harassment and unrest in the country and world wide. So my dear children I urge you to daily prayer for Peace and create a culture for tolerance, forgiveness and respect your elders and parents always. God Bless you all and May Peace be in the world and Pakistan!
Mr.Yuel Bhatti said, today I am very proud and happy that I am celebrating the International Day of Peace 2009 with innocent under-privileged children. It is great challenge for me and my team to provide the proper education to these depressed children. May God help us to have proper School building financial sources for student’s Uniforms, Books and furniture!
My dear children you are lucky that without your sources and means you are studying in this school. It is clear sign of peace. When you are studying you can imagine what is wrong and what is right.
May Peace be in your families!
May Peace be in your mind!
May Peace be in your colony!
May Peace Prevail in Pakistan!
May Peace Prevail on Earth!
Students jointly enlightened the candles by making Peace Sign and also with teachers and guests by holding beautiful placards and country flags showing the solidarity with all over the world. Mrs. Agnes Aslam and Miss Sajida Rose were awarded gifts for wonderful celebration and eatable stuff was distributed among students.
“The way of peace is the way of love. Love is the great power on earth. It conquers all things.” Peace Pilgrim.
Thanks for taking time to read the reports and watch slide show. If you need some photos for web posting will be sent.
Yuel Bhatti
Coordinator
Lahore URI MCC
Peace Pal Coordinator,
World Peace Prayer Society
Co-Founder Local ABC4All / PAKISTAN
http://abc4all.net/local/pakistan/localabc4allpakistan.htm
http://abc4all.net/local/pakistan/mentoryuelbhatti.htm
Dear Friends,
On International Day of Peace, Peace and Development Foundation arranged a special prayer service in which people from all walks of life got together in Bethseda Church , bahar Colony Lahore. On this occasion, special prayers for peace in Pakistan and around the world were said. Akhter Murad, Pastor Nawab Fazal, Uffaq and Youth leader, Abraham and others shared their thoughts about peace. Youth members also sang special peace songs. At the end, Pastor Nawab Fazal blessed the occasion.
Another Peace theme programme was conducted in Youhanabad, Lahore by Peace and Development Foundation (PDF) with collaboration with Unite for Peace and Development and Bethseda Gospel Assemblies. At this occasion different youth groups sang special peace songs, shared their thoughts on peace and prayed for peace in Pakistan and around the world.
May Peace prevail on Earth!
Akhter Murad
Coordinator
Peace and Development Foundation CC, Pakistan
Celebration of World PEACE Day.
A meeting on 21st September was held to celebrate the World Peace Day by all the members of BETHAK along with a group of peace promoting volunteers from different target areas of District Khanewal.
The local social workers, educationists, and religious leaders were also invited so that they should also be motivated to play their roles in promoting peace through awareness of the existing deteriorating situation of peace in Pakistan . The meeting turned into a discussion on various elements responsible for creating sectarian, linguistic and regional differences among the people of different regions.
The recent incidents of religious discrimination were discussed also and it was unanimously approved that the parents, the teachers and especially the religious leaders must feel their responsibilities to create an atmosphere of brotherhood among their students, and members of their families as people of the same God.
Fr. Yusaf Sohan, Mr. Francis Jacob, Mr. Samuel Barkat and Mr. Shahzad Francis were the main resource persons who provided guide lines to all the participants to make the discussion lively and meaningful. In the end Very Rev. Fr. Yusaf Sohan led the audience in peace prayer not only in Pakistan but on all places of dispute among nations.
Shahzad Francis
Program Coordinator
BETHAK-NGO,
St # 8, Hostel Road, Khurampura
Khanewal-58150, Punjab
Pakistan
92-65-2556179
