Karachi (AsiaNews) – The Catholic Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism (CCIDE) of the Archdiocese of Karachi held an Iftar, the dinner that breaks the fast at sunset during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, together with Muslims, Christians, and members of other religious minorities.
The main theme of the event was “Lets’ join our hands to serve our beloved country Pakistan,” said CCIDE director Fr Shakeel Gulzar, to recognise and enhance the services that all faiths perform for the progress of Pakistan.
The meeting was noteworthy for the presence of Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Ismailis, and Baha'is who together served Iftar to their Muslim compatriots, a gesture that resonates deeply with the spirit of Ramadan and emphasises the values of compassion and solidarity.
Kashif Anthony, of the National Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, said that such an event serves as an example of people working together to achieve positive change in society, especially by intensifying commitment to those in need.
Zehra Shellwani, from the Ismaili community, said that attending an interfaith Iftar is not just about sharing a meal, but means building relationships, fostering understanding, and promoting peace and harmony in a diverse and vibrant city.
Sameer Aeli, president of Saffar Buddies and a Muslim, called the Iftar organised by the Catholic Church for Muslims a moving event, which showed unity and solidarity between different communities.
Archbishop Benny Mario Travas stressed the importance of coming together and honouring our faith in the one God. This unity, he noted, is a testament to the values of compassion, empathy, and mutual respect that bind us all.
“In these days of fasting and Lent we have to empty ourselves of our burden of sin and temptation, we have to humble ourselves and move towards Jesus by looking at His Cross which is the sign of our Salvation,” read the archbishop’s message on Palm Sunday for Christians.
“We have to fulfil the will of God, take out time for God and pray, leave ourselves in the hands of God and Trust Him, for He will bless us and raise us from our burdens,” it also said.
For Naveed Anthony, the new deputy speaker of the Sindh provincial assembly, the gathering shows that there is a great place in hearts for others and that everyone can make their own contribution to building our communities.
