PESHAWAR:
The grounds of Peshawar Services Club (PSC) sparkled on Saturday night, bedecked with decorations and lights to mark the silver jubilee of Assemblies of God Church (AoGC) in the city.
Members of AoGC and those from other churches turned up to celebrate the 25 years of the church and were thrilled with the evening’s programme. Musicians and school students entertained audiences with carols, songs and theatre performances.
Chief Minister Pervez Khattak was invited as the chief guest, however, Minister for Local Government Inayatullah Khan attended on his behalf. Other notable speakers included AoGC Chairman Pastor Dr AR Hashmat, Vice Chairman pastor David Shok, Diocese of Peshawar Bishop Humphrey Sarfaraz, Gulshan Bhatti, Younis Younathan, AGAPE Trust member Dr Arshad Masih.
Speakers applauded the untiring services of Pastor Hashmat and others who worked for AoGC. Some went on to talk about the history of the church, its founding and the obstacles which were overcome to set up AoGC Peshawar.
In his speech, Hashmat shed light on various difficulties faced by the organisation. However, he added, the AoGC is turning all its focus on its vision for the year 2020: to extend the church’s religious and welfare activities to other parts of the province.
Addressing the audience, Inayatullah said the provincial coalition government will take every possible step to ensure the rights and safety of Christians and other non-Muslims in the province.
“All religions give a message of peace, harmony and tranquillity,” said Inayatullah. “There are some commonalities and values which can enable us to work together to jointly contribute in the development and prosperity of the country.”
He, however, said it was unfair to link the present state of unrest in the region with “religious disharmony”.
According to the LG minister, “Our religion and Constitution give all basic rights to non-Muslims. We need to jointly struggle to build a peaceful and prosperous country.”
Inayatullah assured Christians they could do everything with freedom, from working to fulfilling their religious obligations. “Taking all possible steps for the protection of their lives and property is the utmost duty of the incumbent government in the province.”
Inayatullah participated in a cake cutting ceremony to kick-start the silver jubilee celebrations. Later, AoGC vice chairman pastor David Shok and Hashmat distributed commemorative tokens among employees of the AoGC. The church was attacked twice last year. Policemen guarding AoGC were gunned down in June and November of 2013.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 22nd, 2014.
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I thank God so much for the return of peace in Assemblies of God Church, with this leaders that are working with prof Paul Emeka, Assemblies of God church, will move well in peace.