Pakistan has a rich cultural and ethnic background
going back to the Indus Valley Civilization, 2800 BC – 1800 BC, a
civilization remarkable for its ordered cities, advanced sanitation,
straight roads and uniquely structured society. Pakistan has been
invaded many times. it has been occupied and settled by many different
peoples each of whom have left their imprint on the current inhabitants
of the country.
There are many distinct ethnic groups reflecting
these many different cultures as well as the influences of surrounding
countries. Pakistan was a part of British India when in 1947, the
Pakistan Movement for a state for Muslims (the majority population),
resulted in the independence and creation of the state of Pakistan.
With the adoption of its constitution in 1956, Pakistan became an
Islamic republic.
People are emotional with their faiths. Social
issues often become highlighted as religious issues, creating trouble
among the sects and religions. This scenario has been reflected since
the inception of the country. This environment creates social and
religious frustration among the people of different faiths. It has also
been observed that religious leaders and media are opinion makers in
the society. Once these leaders have been sensitized to bring
peace and harmony in their communities, they can become role models and
catalysts in this regard. Opening dialogue on peace and
socio-religious harmony among religious leaders and communities
initiates the possiblity of them living together without any religious
bias.
- Jahangir Piara
The vision of COE Pakistan is to promote human
values, social justice and bring harmony among the people of all faiths
and sects. COE Pakistan provides opportunity and facility to
target communities, especially women and children, potential social
leaders. Religious leaders of different faiths are also targeted
to encourage respect of differences among all faiths and sects,
collaborating in the struggle for collective development at the grass
roots level.
Organization for Peace and Development (OPD) and
Children-of-the-Earth-Lahore are promoting peace through Peace
Education and Interfaith Harmony. Opportunity is provided to
religious leaders to seek texts, which promote peace and social harmony
from their respective religious books.
Jahangir is running Peace Education Programs with
the schools selected from the target areas, namely, Qurban and Surayya
School & College (Trust), J. D. Public High School,
Basharat-e-Ibn-Marriam School, St. Dominic Girls High School, Friends
Public School, and Education Centre Dar-ul- Hikmat. He has organized
seminars and workshops
on Interfaith Harmony and supports efforts made by
other organizations to promote a harmonious society. COE Pakistan
supports the common interests of all religions, condemning protests
against any specific religion or creed. OPD and
Children-of-the-Earth work to promote interfaith harmony and to raise
awareness about discriminatory attitudes of people of all faiths and
religions which create problems, confusion,violation and
misunderstanding among the people of all faiths living together.
