Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora, while addressing the Interfaith Harmony Conference, stated that the message of Hazrat Mian Mir (R.A) is for all of humanity and is a continuation of the message delivered in the Farewell Sermon of the Prophet (PBUH). He emphasized that societal conditions will only improve when we teach respect and tolerance for one another. Hazrat Mian Mir (R.A) holds a special place in the Sikh community, as he was a close friend of the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev. Arora highlighted that during the oppressive rule over Guru Arjan Dev, a message of patience was conveyed, which remains relevant to this day. The messages of humanity from Guru Arjan Dev and Mian Mir will always endure.
He further stated that the land of Pakistan is the soil of Sufis, saints, and gurus, which promotes peace and love, with a heritage spanning thousands of years. He noted that the relationship between Sikhs and Pakistan is deep and must be understood. Ramesh Singh Arora also pointed out that the concept of monotheism in Islam and the Sikh belief in one God are closely connected. In today’s world, it is essential to spread the message of peace and love from Mian Mir, Ganj Shakar, and Guru Nanak to counter the conspiracies against Pakistan.
Secretary Auqaf, Dr. Tahir Raza Bukhari, officially inaugurated the 401st Annual Urs of Hazrat Mian Mir (R.A) by performing the Chadar Poshi ceremony. He stated that to build a tolerant welfare society, the thoughts and practices of Sufis must be adopted. Hazrat Mian Mir (R.A) was a proponent of interfaith dialogue and a custodian of a tolerant welfare society. His shrine remains a place of solace and love for those in distress. It is crucial to adopt the way of life of the Sufis to counter extremist tendencies.
Various scholars and spiritual leaders also spoke at the conference, highlighting the need to restore the true role and identity of the shrines in social welfare. The guidance needed to form a welfare state can only be derived from the principles of the Sufis. The historical role of the shrine in guiding and supporting the common person must never be forgotten.
A large number of attendees, including Secretary Excise Masood Mukhtar, Director General Religious Affairs Khalid Mahmood Sandhu, Deputy Director Administration Auqaf Asif Ijaz, Group Advisor Madina Foundation Muhammad Aslam Tareen, CEO Al-Khair Group Sheikh Muhammad Saeed, Assistant Director Religious Affairs Hafiz Muhammad Javed Shoukat, Administrator Auqaf Lahore Zone (West) Shahid Hameed Warrak, Manager Auqaf Hassan Rizwan, Sheikh Jameel Ahmed, Tariq Mahmood Najmi, devotees, and followers, were present at the event.
