What's new

Pakistan's Minorities Citizens

Karachi's St Jude's cathedral hosts iftar dinner for Muslim brothers

Cardinal Joseph Coutts, named one of the 14 new cardinals by Pope Francis last year, also attends the gathering.
Naeem Sahoutara

St Jude’s cathedral echoed with "Allah-o-Akbar" (God is greatest), as the fasting Muslims offered evening prayers while the Christian parishioners hurriedly arranged food for them on the tables.

Over the past few decades, chants of "Hallelujah" have been filling the air in the Catholic cathedral situated in the footnote of a dry hillock in Karachi's North Nazimabad area.

Miles away from the bustling central metropolis, the lesser known Catholic cathedral set a towering example of interfaith harmony.

On Thursday evening, it arranged an iftar dinner for the Imams (prayer leaders) of different mosques and local leaders of several religious and political groups.

“This is the holy month of Ramazan, a time of blessings,” the parish priest Father Augustin Soares said as he welcomed nearly two dozen Muslim religious and political leaders.

“So, I thought we should arrange an iftar gathering for our Muslims brothers, who we live with in the area, in the month of fasting,” the 70-year-old slender-framed Goan parish priest added.

5cf289bbd6d7b.png

Father Augustin Soares (left) addressing the gathering. — All photos courtesy St Jude's church


St Jude’s cathedral is located in the Hussain D’Silva Town, once a posh township named after two Muslim-Christian friends and town planners.

For decades, the large dusty hillock was a scenic feature of the township largely inhabited by the Goan Christians and was a romantic dating place for young couples.

Over the past few decades, the peaceful neighborhood saw an influx of religious outfits, mostly those fleeing the hilly region of the north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa torn by militancy in the post-Afghanistan war following 9/11.

For them, the large range of the hillock — from Orangi Town to the Manghopir periphery — offered the same living environment as back home.

It triggered armed clashes between the Pashtun living atop the hill and the Christians living below in the adjoining Pahar Gunj slum.

Gradually, the Goans first left the township and then the country. But Father Soares stayed back and is still living in the cathedral.

On the occasion of the silver jubilee anniversary of his ordination, Father Soares decided to celebrate in a different way — with the neighbourhood Muslims.

The gesture sent a big message, as Cardinal Joseph Coutts — named one of the 14 new cardinals by Pope Francis last year — also joined in.

5cf289bc2f8c9.png

Cardinal Joseph Coutts (left) pictured sitting next to Father Sualeh Diego (centre).


Besides the clerics, the local leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Awami National Party, the Jamaat-e-Islami, the Jamiat Ulema Pakistan-Fazl, and others attended the gathering.

Donning a long white gown and wearing a hand-knitted red cap akin to that worn by Muslims for prayer, the country representative for Rome humbly sat in the middle of the table along with Father Augustin Soares and Father Sualeh Diego.

“Sometimes, we live together, but don’t find time to meet and talk to each other,” the soft-spoken cardinal said as he opened his speech after the iftar.

“However, when we meet up, we realise that we are all creatures of Khuda Tala (the Lord),” he added, appreciating parish priest Father Soares' idea.

“We all belong to this land. We are all Pakistanis. We all shares each other’s happiness and worries,” he added smilingly, underscoring the need for forging interfaith harmony in the country.

5cf289bb28199.jpg

Cardinal Joseph Coutts appreciating the initiative taken by Father Soares and the spirit demonstrated by Muslims gathered at the event.


The meetup offered a rare opportunity for clerics and leaders from the two sides to engage with one another.

Dil Muhammad, the local union council’s chairman belonging to the Pakistan Peoples Party, was all praise for the initiative.

“Today’s gathering may be small, but it sends out a big message not only to this area, but to the city and to the whole country,” he remarked.

“I was just a two-year-old child, when I came here with my parents. I have not seen such a gathering in 50 years of my life,” he said as he recalled the years spent living with the Christians.

“It will send out a positive message,” Dil Muhammad added, thanking the St Jude’s priest for hosting a dinner for the fasting Muslims of the neighbourhood.

Resolving to continue the initiative in future, the political leaders promised to invite, in turn, Cardinal Joseph Coutts and his parishioners on their religious eves to jointly celebrate with them.

“Bacha Khan has taught us one thing. Humanity!” Niaz Khan, the district president of the Awami National Party, told his hosts.

“We are one. We will also invite you all to such programmes,” he added.

Thanking his guests, Cardinal Joseph Coutts appreciated the spirit demonstrated by the Muslim clerics and political leaders to promote interfaith harmony.

“I pray to the Lord to bless today’s gathering so that we all learn that we are brothers and are ready to help each other in every difficult time,” he concluded.
 
. .
CM Punjab lays foundation stone of Baba Guru Nanak University in Nankana Sahib


497417_1841984_Guru-Nanak-Uni_updates.jpg



LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Friday laid the foundation stone of Baba Guru Nanak University in Nankana Sahib, which is the first of its kind in the province.

The Chief Minister was warmly received by Minister for Interior Brig (retd) Ijaz Shah, assembly members and the district administration in Nankana Sahib.

According to a handout issued here, Baba Guru Nanak University would be built on 10 acres of land with a cost of Rs.6 billion.

The university is an important step towards completion of Prime Minister's promises and would help hundreds of thousand students of Nankana Sahib district and other adjoining areas.

Usman Buzdar also inaugurated the first Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) motel, which had been completed with a cost of Rs 130 million to promote religious tourism in the district.

He planted a sapling and expressed satisfaction that the new facility would provide the best facilities to Sikh pilgrims and other tourists.

The Punjab government was providing the best facilities to the Sikh community at their religious places under a policy of religious harmony, he added.

The CM laid the foundation stone of a project of repair and maintenance of entry roads of the district, which would be completed with an amount of Rs 150 million.

Similarly, link road connecting the Guru Nanak University to Nankana-Warburton Road would be constructed as well.

The CM laid the foundation stone of construction of Shah Kot tehsil complex project, which would be completed with Rs 110 million.
 
. .
PM Khan lays foundation stone for Baba Guru Nanak University


pm-khan-lays-foundation-stone-for-baba-guru-nanak-university-1572266148-9717.jpg

https://nation.com.pk/NewsSource/app
October 28, 2019

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday laid the foundation-stone of Baba Guru Nanak University, to be constructed in an area of 107 acres in Nankana Sahib.

The prime minister unveiled the plaque to mark ground-breaking at a ceremony attended by Governor Punjab Chaudhry Sarwar, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, Interior Minister Brig (retd) Ijaz Ahmed Shah, Special Assistant to PM on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan.

The Government of Punjab has released initial funds for the construction of university which will comprise academic blocks for various disciplines and also hostels for accommodation of students.

The step is in connection with the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of the founder of Sikh religion Baba Guru Nanak next month.
 
.
Celebrating Christmas across Pakistan


Christmas time is here, and the Christian community across the country is celebrating the festival with great religious fervour. Here's a glimpse of the celebrations. Merry Christmas everyone!

588653_3651099_final_updates.jpg



KARACHI: December 24 - An illuminated view of Holy Trinity Church decorated with colourful lights in connection with Christmas celebrations — Photo: APP

588653_5628086_final-2_updates.jpg


LAHORE: December - Christian community is busy in religious rituals at St. Anthonys Church. — Photo: Online


588653_4785166_final-3_updates.jpg


HYDERABAD: Dec25- Members of Christian Community busy in their religious rituals during Christmas prayer. — Photo: Online


588653_191639_final-4_updates.jpg


LAHORE: December 25- Christian community is busy in religious rituals at St. Anthonys Church.— Photo: Online



588653_7346358_263797_4687602_updates_updates.jpg

LAHORE: December 25- A woman holds her child while he wears Santa Claus dress at St. Anthonys Church. The church is decorated with colorful lights. — Photo: Online


588653_8926063_263797_3186493_updates_updates.jpg

QUETTA: December 25 - Christian Community people attend annual commemoration ceremony on the occasion of Christmas Day celebration held at Methodist Church. — Photo: PPI

588653_8930851_263797_8154335_updates_updates.jpg



PESHAWAR: December 25- Christian Community people attend annual commemoration ceremony on the occasion of Christmas Day celebration held at St. Johns Cathedral Church in Peshawar. — Photo: PPI


588653_6317594_263797_4829114_updates_updates.jpg


LAHORE: December 25- Christian community is busy in religious rituals at St. Anthonys Church. — Photo: Online
 
.
Lights, prayers and hugs: Christians celebrate Christmas across Pakistan

PM Imran Khan, opposition leaders extend Christmas wishes; special services held in churches across the country.


As Christmas celebrations kicked off around the world on Wednesday, Christians across Pakistan marked the birth of Jesus Christ with traditional festivities and holiday cheer amid tight security.

Special services were held in illuminated churches throughout the country while devotees also offered prayers for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

Strict security measures were taken to ensure safety of the Christian community and forces had been deployed outside churches to thwart any untoward incident.

Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter to wish Christian citizens a happy Christmas.


Imran Khan

✔@ImranKhanPTI

https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1209727605970292737

Wishing all our Christian citizens a Happy Christmas.


President Arif Alvi wished Christians across the world and in Pakistan a merry Christmas and included a quote by Jesus regarding peace in his message.


The President of Pakistan@PresOfPakistan

https://twitter.com/PresOfPakistan/status/1209664313692172289

Merry Christmas to Christians the world over and specially to those in Pakistan, with a message of peace, according to Jesus himself who said 'Peace I leave with you and my peace I give you'.

Pope Francis in his Christmas Day message urged the world to let the light of Christmas pierce the “darkness in human hearts” that leads to religious persecution, social injustice, armed conflicts and fear of migrants.

5e035aee79fe5.jpg

Women greet each other after attending a Christmas Mass at a church in Lahore, Wednesday. — AP


5e035af516a0d.jpg

Archbishop Sebastian Shaw leads the Christmas Day service at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore. — Reuters


5e035aed325d2.jpg

Christian devotees attend Christmas Day prayers at the Sacred Heart Church in Lahore on December 25. — AFP


5e035aed6ff63.jpg

A policeman stands guard during Christmas Day prayers at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church in Lahore. — AFP


5e035af21bcda.jpg

People attend a Christmas Day service at the St. John's Cathedral in Peshawar. — Reuters


5e035af844d4d.jpg

Children ride on a swing on Christmas Day in Islamabad. — AFP


5e035aed75cce.jpg

Christian devotees attend Christmas Day prayers at Fatima Church in Islamabad on December 25. — AFP


5e035aed76569.jpg

People attend a Christmas Day service at the St. John's Cathedral in Peshawar, December 25. — Reuters


5e035aefc6ac6.jpg

Christian devotees attend Christmas Day prayers at St. John's Cathedral Church in Peshawar. — AFP


5e035af2253b9.jpg

A Christian family greet each other after attending Christmas Mass at a church in Multan on Wednesday. — AP


5e035aefc50d5.jpg

Christian devotees attend Christmas Day prayers at Fatima Church in Islamabad. — AFP


5e035af1631ca.jpg

Christian devotees attend Christmas Day prayers at St. John's Cathedral Church in Peshawar. — AFP


5e035af2af92b.jpg

A man receives holy communion during a Christmas Day service at the St. John's Cathedral in Peshawar. — Reuters


5e035af794c12.jpg

Christian devotees attend Christmas Day prayers at the Sacred Heart Church in Lahore. — AFP


5e035af1ec1e7.jpg

A soldier stands guard on the top of a church during Christmas prayers at Methodist Church in Quetta on December 25. — AFP


5e035af298777.jpg

Christians attend Christmas Mass at a church in Karachi, Wednesday. — AP


5e035af296399.jpg

Christian devotees attend Christmas Day prayers at the Sacred Heart Church in Lahore. — AFP


5e035af9a2339.jpg

Children ride on a toy train on Christmas Day in Islamabad on December 25. — AFP
 
.
200-year-old temple returned to Hindu community in Balochistan
Pakistan

Sat, Feb 08, 2020


610827_3123939_temple-(1)_updates.jpg

Photo: Twitter


A 200-year old temple located in Zhob, Balochistan was handed back to the Hindu community on Thursday after 70 years.

The temple had been in the possession of one Maulana Allah Dad Kakar, who formally handed it over to a Hindu pandit during a ceremony.

Deputy Commissioner Talha Saleem, who was present at the ceremony, expressed a desire to establish a tolerant society which accepts all religions and faiths while handing over the keys of the temple to the Hindu community, reported Hindustan Times.

“Today is an important day in the history of Balochistan. This is an example of religious harmony. Maulana Allah Dad, the khateeb of the [local] Jama Masjid, not only supported the decision but also participated as a special guest at the ceremony,” Saleem said while addressing the crowd.

“The world should see how deeply our scholars have embraced the minority community.”

“We apologise to the minority community for the delay,” he said, assuring them that the restoration of the temple will also be completed soon.

After restoration and renovation of the building, members of the Hindu community will be able to use it as a place of worship.

The decision was met with happiness by the Hindu community in Zhob.

Saleem Jan, the chairman of the committee for the minority community in Zhob, told Urdu News that it was a matter of great pleasure to visit the temple after 70 years.

“Some time ago, Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail had visited the temple when we requested that the building be handed over to the Hindu community. He had assured us and today we are thankful to the district administration and him for meeting our demand.”

According to Jan, the temple in Babu Mohalla is nearly 200 years old and was sculpted from a mountain.

Hindus had inhabited the area for centuries, but most of them migrated to India in 1947.

“About 50 Hindu families live here now. They have only one temple to go,” he said.
 
.
200-year-old temple returned to Hindu community in Balochistan
Pakistan

Sat, Feb 08, 2020


610827_3123939_temple-(1)_updates.jpg

Photo: Twitter


A 200-year old temple located in Zhob, Balochistan was handed back to the Hindu community on Thursday after 70 years.

The temple had been in the possession of one Maulana Allah Dad Kakar, who formally handed it over to a Hindu pandit during a ceremony.

Deputy Commissioner Talha Saleem, who was present at the ceremony, expressed a desire to establish a tolerant society which accepts all religions and faiths while handing over the keys of the temple to the Hindu community, reported Hindustan Times.

“Today is an important day in the history of Balochistan. This is an example of religious harmony. Maulana Allah Dad, the khateeb of the [local] Jama Masjid, not only supported the decision but also participated as a special guest at the ceremony,” Saleem said while addressing the crowd.

“The world should see how deeply our scholars have embraced the minority community.”

“We apologise to the minority community for the delay,” he said, assuring them that the restoration of the temple will also be completed soon.

After restoration and renovation of the building, members of the Hindu community will be able to use it as a place of worship.

The decision was met with happiness by the Hindu community in Zhob.

Saleem Jan, the chairman of the committee for the minority community in Zhob, told Urdu News that it was a matter of great pleasure to visit the temple after 70 years.

“Some time ago, Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail had visited the temple when we requested that the building be handed over to the Hindu community. He had assured us and today we are thankful to the district administration and him for meeting our demand.”

According to Jan, the temple in Babu Mohalla is nearly 200 years old and was sculpted from a mountain.

Hindus had inhabited the area for centuries, but most of them migrated to India in 1947.

“About 50 Hindu families live here now. They have only one temple to go,” he said.
How did the temple got under the possession of the Maulana?
 
.
Hinglaj Mela

The devotees are busy fun celebrating while their way on to the Hinglaj Temple.
The Hinglaj festival is a grand event that the Hindu community living in Pakistan celebrate every year in Balochistan,


51701559_1760425897395488_2450701948186263552_n.jpg


29541494_1615162385232177_3284885349283710194_n.jpg




72247441_2421632777918463_2056029994538237952_n.jpg




70988445_2376933099055098_4542617966440611840_n.jpg




44948253_1885422984872781_2652379872806043648_n.jpg


68995826_2341295842618824_457300930535096320_n.jpg




69414743_2341295962618812_4021613320762032128_n.jpg




71825463_2421632694585138_1652624061685039104_n.jpg




70389156_2376933299055078_8754628617658433536_n.jpg
 
. .
Death anniversary of Hal Bevan Petman

When Hal Bevan Petman looked at people, he really saw them. Arguably the best portrait painter who lived, painted and died in the Indian subcontinent, Petman left an indelible mark on those familiar with him and his work. His portraits exude an almost incandescent radiance, warranting more than a mere glance.

Henry Charles 'Hal' Bevan Petman, (1894-1980), was a British portrait painter who came to the Indian sub-continent in the 1920s, and made it his home.

Very few guys know this great Pakistani/British artist, he stayed through during the Partition of India and chose to reside in Pakistan, till his demise on 9 May 1980 in Rawalpindi. He painted significant civil and military personalities, landscapes and still life. His works included many Pakistan Army officers, two of whom became Pakistan's Heads of State: Field Marshal Ayub Khan and General Yahya Khan. He is buried in the Christian Graveyard in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Born in Barton Regis Rural District, Gloucestershire, England on 28 October 1894, to Bertram Amor Bevan-Petman (1870–1931) and Maria Minnie Bevan Petman (1869–1942), his family was of Anglo-Indian ancestry, and included prominent lawyers and judges who served at various eminent positions during the British Raj. He was educated at Clifton College, Bristol from 1908 to 1910 and resided through this period at North Town Boys House; and played cricket for the Clifton College XI at Lord's against Tonbridge in 1914. Bevan-Petman subsequently applied to and was accepted by Slade School of Fine Art in 1914, and received a two-year scholarship amounting to £35. This scholarship was then renewed in 1916. During this scholastic period he received the First Prize for Figure Painting and Figure Drawing. Furthermore, he was awarded certificates in Perspective, History of Art, Figure Drawing, and satisfied the requirements for a Diploma in Fine Art in History of Art (Painting in Spain and the Netherlands). He graduated from Slade School of Art in 1917 after being awarded a certificate in 'Painting from Life'.

Hal Bevan-Petman painted many landscapes during this era and on one occasion was commissioned by the India Tourism Office for a 'See India' poster. The mountain ranges of Kashmir appear frequently in his landscapes and are considered rare. During this time, he also taught a young Amrita Sher-Gil (1913 - 1941), who went on to become a talented Indian painter. He also had clients from Indian Royalty for whom he did portraits and the occasional risque renditions. This included the Nawab of Bahawalpur, who corresponded with Hal on a regular basis. Such commissions have remained very private,elusive and very rarely displayed. During his time in Pakistan he painted practically every notable personality and/or their spouses, ranging from Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, various subsequent Presidents and Military Commanders. He was commissioned to paint military battle scenes which adorn the walls of various Pakistani Military Academic Institutions. He also painted several war heroes who were decorated posthumously with the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan's highest military award. One of the most celebrated amongst them is Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed.

He is known to have built a considerable reputation in the art scene and was commissioned by the Pakistan Army to paint many Generals, Commanders and Battle Scenes. Most of the portraits are held in Private Collections, and many adorn various Pakistan Army's Educational Institutions, Messes and Regimental Headquarters. The Ladies portraits of various socialites and influential personalities are considered romanticized renditions with almost hazily surreal backgrounds. Queen Elizabeth II was presented four paintings by the Government of Pakistan in 1961. These paintings are on display at Sandringham House and are part of the Royal Collection.

He died on 9 May 1980 and is buried in the Rawalpindi Christian Cemetery, flanked by the graves of his wife Beryl and sister-in-law, Eve Strauss née Dyer respectively.


Mr. Hal, in the sitting room of bungalow number 8 at the Rawalpindi Club in 1960's
 
.
Pakistan's first female Sikh journalist nominated for UK award

May 16, 2020


2222877-sikhjournalist-1589636380-794-640x480.png


Manmeet Kaur selected as one of the most 100 influential Sikh personalities under 30 around the world. PHOTO: EXPRESS

P
ESHAWAR: Pakistan’s first Sikh female journalist, Manmeet Kaur, has been nominated for a prestigious award in the United Kingdom.

Manmeet Kaur, 25, has been selected as one of the 100 most influential Sikh personalities under 30 years of age around the world by the UK based ‘The Sikh Group’.

The Sikh Group is a global organisation which awards people belonging to Sikh faith from different parts of the world who serve the people in different ways.

Manmeet, who is a resident of Peshawar and also a social activist, had also received awards at the local level for highlighting issues faced by minorities and women.

She will receive her award next year at a ceremony in Britain.

Kaur holds a postgraduate degree in social sciences and has also served as an administrator at a computer academy for three years.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, she expressed happiness that her name was included in the category of influential Sikh personalities around the world.

“Those who work hard will reap the rewards and it is a great honour for my family to visit the UK and represent Pakistan,” she added.

Recognition is given to the special contributions made by Sikhs in the fields of business, sport, charity, media, entertainment, education, selfless voluntary service, lifetime achievement and the special recognition award, which is given to someone from another faith promoting multiculturalism.
 
.
PESHAWAR:
The province lost at least three more doctors to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), officials said on Monday.

The doctors include philanthropist medic Dr Phag Chand, Dr Aurangzeb – a pathologist at Peshawar Police Service Hospital, and Dr Azam – a pediatric at a local hospital in Nowshera.

Dr Phag Chand, a resident of Swabi, had been appointed as the Medical Superintendent (MS) at a public hospital in Swabi. However, after serving for a brief period there, he left the position and preferred to run his private clinic to help the poor. A member of the local Sikh community.
 
.
It is Rawan ki Lanka at l Ram bagh new Aram bagh


101694370_2942241305882975_1354380454614007808_n.jpg


..
1942 Karachi
 
.

Latest posts

Pakistan Affairs Latest Posts

Country Latest Posts

Back
Top Bottom