Educationists, religious leaders call for unity

KARACHI:

Pakistan is our shared identity, and everyone living in the country is a Pakistani, said educationists and religious leaders at an event titled ‘Pegham-e-Pakistan’ held at St. Paul’s High School on Monday.

Sindh Directorate of Private Schools Additional Director, Rafia Mallah, noted that there are 116 schools, including 56 in Karachi, managed by the CBE. She added that the quality education and discipline provided by these schools make them a top choice for parents.

“We need to teach students how to live together in peace and harmony as it is the need of the hour,” Mallah emphasised.

“Pakistan belongs to all its people, not just Muslims,” said another speakers, Allama Sajjad Tanoli.

He explained that the schools run by the Catholic Board of Education (CBE) celebrate all religious festivals, fostering inclusivity and harmony.

The event was organised to show solidarity with the Christian community following the incident in Sargodha.

St. Paul’s School Principal Lenny Dias remarked, “We aspire for not only a peaceful Pakistan but also a proud Pakistan. The country is our identity, and it embodies love and respect.”

Another speaker present on the occasion, Mera Siddiqui, highlighted the state's initiative to promote religious harmony through education.

He mentioned that 1,800 religious leaders believe that peace will emerge through schools, adding that extremism is a major cause of conflict. “The state recognises that teachers play a crucial role in fostering peace,” he stressed.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2024.