Lahore: August 16, 2016. (Pervez Yousaf) August 13, 2016: The Council for Interfaith Dialogue Pakistan (CFID) organized an interfaith celebration in connection with Independence Day 2016, here in Lahore. The theme of this event of national integrity was “Independence Day and Peaceful Pakistan” and held under the directives of Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap, coordinator of CFID. Distinct social figures Alwin Jalal Din and Anwaar-ullah-Khan were the chief guests on this occasion while Fr. Inayat Bernard was the main speaker. Fr. Adnan Kashif OFM Cap, Hafiz Mufti Syed Ashiq Hussain, Pervez Yousaf, Edward Qaisar, and Dr. Badar Munir, were prominent among the other guests. The program was attended by a good number of people of all age groups belonging to different religions, castes and creeds including children of schools/madrissas (Muslim seminaries), teachers and sisters of different convents. Program began with National Anthem followed by special prayer for the martyrs of Quetta. One minute of silence was also observed to remember them. Fr. Adnan Kashif presented an introduction of the program while Fr. Inayat Bernard talked about the role of minorities and especially of Christians in building and progress of the country. He began with wishes to entire nation for peace and prosperity as according to him there is no “Jashn (festivity) amidst so many sufferings like power load shedding, shortage of water, high inflation rate, poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, target killing, bomb blasts and suicidal attacks. Jashn (festivity) is only possible when there is peace and prosperity in the country. Referring to the first Presidential Address of founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah to the Constituent Assembly (August 11, 1947) he said, “These things are not mentioned in our textbooks. Christians of Pakistan equally participated in the movement of Pakistan, Christian leaders including Sardar Bahadur S.P. Singha, Justice A. R. Cornelius and Master Fazal Elahi were close allies of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the movement of Pakistan. Punjab became a part of Pakistan because of three deciding votes of Christian leaders. The slogan of S.P Singha was “seene pe goli khaaen ge, Pakistan banaen ge” (We will receive bullets in our chests and make Pakistan) whereas a Sikh leader Sardar Tara Singh was strongly against the inclusion of Punjab in Pakistan.” He told participants that discrimination was created in the constitution of Pakistan in 1973. He continued saying, “Likewise other heroes of movement of Pakistan people of the country must remember Christian heroes like Major General Noel Khokhar, S. P. Singha, F.E. Chaudhry and Master Fazal Elahi.” He remarked, “The killers cannot be called patriots. We are true patriots and gather here because of our love for our country and for its people.” He concluded by saying’ “Let’s come together to work for the prosperity of our beloved country”. Sharing his views Fr. Francis Nadeem said, “Let’s pay thanks to Almighty God for making us a nation. Today, on this occasion, let’s all pay tribute to Muslim and Christian heroes of the movement of Pakistan. Christians and Muslims shared equal contribution for making Pakistan. Pakistan is not a country that belongs to followers of a specific religion or “majority”. Everyone who born and lives in Pakistan shares the ownership of Pakistan. The non-Muslims must not consider themselves as “Minority” by using this word we negate our dignity as a Pakistani. Instead of celebration August 11 as “Minorities Day” we should celebrate it as a “Day of Human Rights in Pakistan.” He further said, “We are still not independent in a true sense, we are living under the slavery of different groups and sects which is generating hatred and discrimination in our society. Let’s get rid of this slavery and become real independent.” He ended with greetings to entire nation a Happy Independence Day. Earlier, talking to participants Hafiz Mufti Syed Ashiq Hussain said, “I don’t consider any specific community of our country as Minority or Majority. We are one nation and we all are Pakistanis.” He referred the society as a family and said, “The children in a family are of different ages. Children are considered elder or younger and for parents elder children are not “Majority” and younger children are not “Minority”. As, for parents children of all age groups are of equal importance and deserve equal rights, our country is our mother., if non-Muslims are less in number, it doesn’t mean that they are Minority and if Muslims are more in number it doesn’t mean that they are Majority. All are children of our motherland and deserve equal rights and freedom of expression.” Mufti Ashiq also talked about the services of Christian leaders in the movement of Pakistan and ongoing services of Christian citizens for its progress. He paid tribute to martyred Christian Major Sarmas Rauf who gave his life for the sake of country during an operation against terrorism in Wana. Children of different schools presented national songs including Malaika, Samina Sahar, Ehsan Ashraf, Sajjad Inayat Group (Model Colony), Shifan Sohail, Rashid Mushtaq, Ana Maria and Sahar Younas. Choir of Bal Ihata Lahore Cantt, and children of Franciscan Boys High School Kot Lakhpat presented tableaus depicting love for the country. Prayers for the stability, prosperity and progress of the country were recited by all the participants according to their creeds. Special prayers for the elimination of terrorism and success of Pak Armed Forces against terrorist groups were also offered during the program. A cake cutting ceremony was also held during the program while balloons and pigeons were released in the air to mark the freedom. Edward Qaisar, director of CFID thanked all the guests and performing children at the end of this program of national veracity.