Interfaith harmony: ‘We still do not have a final death toll’

Day of Remembrance observed at Edwardes College for September 22 victims .

PESHAWAR:

“I have no words to express the pain and helplessness of my community. The worst part is we still do not have the final death toll,” said former Bishop of Peshawar Mano Rumalshah, while addressing students and faculty members of Edwardes College.

A ‘Day of Remembrance’ was held for the victims of Sunday’s suicide attacks, which killed 83 people, among them many children. The incident has left all residents, particularly Christians, in a state of shock.



At the memorial service on Thursday, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and Christian students gathered at the hockey ground of the historic college to stress upon the importance of unity and interfaith harmony.

Rumalshah said Islam is a religion of peace and nobody should try to discredit this truth. He added the incident has “robbed the very foundation of the nation”. “If Pakistan does not take cognizance of the act, not only minorities, but everyone will be affected,” noted Rumalshah.

Professor Alvin Advin read out a message from the Bishop of Peshawar Humphrey Sarfaraz Peters, quoting him as saying, “The September 22 incident has emerged as a ray of hope for peace as it was our Muslim brothers and sisters who extended their unstinting support for which we are grateful from the core of our heart.”



The bishop added he hopes the love and cooperation in times of need will lead to a better, happier tomorrow for his beloved country and people of different faiths will be able to coexist in harmony, love and solidarity.

A student also read a message from the college principal, Dr Titus Presler. “Working for peace means listening deeply, trying to understand people who are different from us, and to seek to resolve differences without conflict and violence.”

Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Sikhs have been living here for centuries, said Mrs Khan of the provincial chapter of Al-Huda Institute. “The loss cannot be compensated for, but gathering here means that your pain is our pain,” added Mrs Khan. Reverend Joseph Johns and Vice Principal Dr Yar Mohammad were also
in attendance.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 27^th, 2013.