Acknowledgment of Rabata’s dedication to promoting interfaith dialogue
Mr. Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs, Punjab, presented Mr. Shahzad Lawrence with an Appreciation Shield in recognition of his services for the promotion of interfaith dialogue and religious harmony through education in Gujranwala. This distinguished recognition was awarded during an Interfaith, Peace, and Harmony Conference jointly organized by the Punjab Government and the United Interfaith Organizations. Mr. Farid Ahmad Tarar, Secretary of the Human Rights & Minorities Affairs Department, and Rev. Dr. Maid Abel, President of United Interfaith Organizations, were on the stage during this event. The program was held on August 9, 2025, at Alhamra Hall No. 1, Lahore.
The efforts of the Rabata Society emphasize the importance of practical dialogue at the grassroots level and the role of peacemakers. The aims and objectives of the Rabata Society are to demonstrate acceptance and respect for religions through dialogue at the grassroots level, in practical dialogue with ordinary citizens.
The shield symbolizes acknowledgment of Mr. Lawrence’s unwavering dedication to promoting interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding initiatives, religious tolerance, and social harmony at the grassroots level using EPDI Rabata Society. His work has been instrumental in bringing together Christians, Muslims, and other faith communities in Gujranwala, fostering trust, mutual respect, and cooperative action for a better and peaceful society.
This momentous occasion not only highlighted Mr. Lawrence’s remarkable contributions to interfaith cooperation in Punjab but also sent a powerful message to peace organizations, human rights advocates, and policymakers across the globe. His tireless efforts in advocating for justice without discrimination, countering religious intolerance, and engaging youth in constructive dialogue have created a ripple effect of harmony in communities often affected by misunderstandings and divisions. The event underscored the vital role of local peacemakers, civil society leaders, and faith-based organizations in building a future rooted in mutual acceptance, respect for religious diversity, and sustainable peace in Pakistan.
Mr. Lawrence was receiving an appreciation shield from Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs, Punjab, Mr. Farid Ahmad Tarar, Secretary of the Human Rights & Minorities Affairs Department, and Rev. Dr. Maid Abel, President of United Interfaith Organizations, acknowledging his humble services for the promotion of Interfaith Dialogue in Gujranwala. This honor was not just recognition of past efforts—it was a renewed responsibility to work tirelessly for peace, harmony, and religious tolerance at the grassroots level.
Peace means the presence of justice, respect for religions، and religious harmony in society. In Pakistan, where people of different faiths, ethnicities, and cultural and religious backgrounds exist, peace becomes an important, fundamental، and essential element, the fulfillment of which makes possible the development of education, health، and economic stability
EPDI Rabata society has strived for years to promote awareness through its long- term efforts, peace activities, and Interfaith dialogue in Gujranwala, Peace Conferences that mosques, churches, temples, and gurdwaras remain safe spaces of worship rather than flashpoints for conflict. EPDI Rabata believes that without peace, mistrust festers, misinformation spreads, and societies are ruined.
The Punjab Government and the United Interfaith Organizations came together at Alhamra Hall, Lahore, for a remarkable Interfaith, Peace, and Harmony Conference. The event gathered a diverse assembly of religious leaders, peacebuilders, government officials, and community activists united in their vision of a more peaceful and tolerant Pakistan. The role and efforts of Reverend Majeed Abel, President of United Interfaith organizations, in organizing this conference are unforgettable. The journey from Gujranwala to Lahore was quite long that day due to the rain. In the program, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh religious leaders taught the message of peace, love, tolerance, and acceptance. Holding Pakistani flags, the participants listened to the national anthem with enthusiasm.
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs, Punjab, served as the chief guest, accompanied by Mr. Farid Ahmad Tarar, Secretary of the Human Rights & Minorities Affairs Department. The conference stood as a living testimony to Pakistan’s ongoing journey toward peace, justice, and mutual respect among religions. Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora was hopeful that the participants would play their vital role to promote the vision of humanity and support the Punjab government by sharing the message of love and respect for religion as much as possible on their respective platforms, in their cities, circles of friends, and among students.
This is a practical and inspiring effort to promote Muslim-Christian dialogue. EPDI Rabata Society strongly supports the initiatives taken by the Punjab Government to establish religious harmony and interfaith dialogue in Punjab and Pakistan.
