Peace is My Choice: Building Interfaith Bridges in Pakistan

Author: Asher Nazir, URI CC Coordinator, COPE Pakistan
Abstract: This article reflects on COPE Pakistan’s work as a URI Cooperation Circle, highlighting interfaith encounters, youth trainings, and solidarity actions that promote peace and harmony across Pakistan.

1. Peace is My Choice: Building Interfaith Bridges in Pakistan
Author: Asher Nazir, URI CC Coordinator, COPE Pakistan
Abstract: This article reflects on COPE Pakistan’s work as a URI Cooperation Circle,
highlighting interfaith encounters, youth trainings, and solidarity actions that promote peace
and harmony across Pakistan.
In a world often divided by prejudice and mistrust, peace is not merely a dream — it is a
choice. In Pakistan, a nation rich in diversity yet marked by religious tensions, that choice is
vital.
For me, peace is my choice. It guides my work, fuels my passion, and shapes my promise to
future generations. As the Coordinator of COPE Pakistan, a Cooperation Circle (CC) of
United Religions Initiative (URI), I have witnessed how dialogue, encounter, and action can
transform barriers into bridges.
The Power of Encounter
Dialogue begins with encounter. When Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and others sit
together, what emerges is not conflict, but shared humanity.
At the Peace Center in Lahore, we organize interfaith prayers, cultural exchanges, and
community dialogues. I have seen stereotypes melt away when young people share their
stories: a Christian student discovering Islamic teachings on mercy, or a Muslim youth
reflecting on Hindu values of harmony with nature. Dialogue does not convert people to a
religion — it converts fear into friendship.
Success Stories from COPE Pakistan CC
Interfaith Christmas Celebration, Lahore: Muslim and Christian communities came
together to share in the spirit of Christmas. Over 200 children and women received
new clothes as gifts, but more importantly, they received a message of love and
solidarity across faiths.
Peace Campaign in Okara District: Through Eid Milan, Christmas gatherings, and
Peace Rallies, neighbours of different faiths celebrated each other’s festivals. Walls of
suspicion gave way to relationships of trust.
Youth Peace Training, Renala Khurd: More than 60 young people joined workshops
on conflict resolution and harmony. In a city once marked by tragic violence, youth
leaders chose peace and became ambassadors in their schools and communities.
Interfaith Youth Dialogue, Faisalabad: In 2019, Christian, Muslim, and Sikh students
gathered under the theme “Peacebuilding and Harmony.” For many, it was their first
opportunity to share openly across religions — and it sparked lasting friendships.

2. Each of these moments shows that peace is not abstract. It is real, lived, and chosen.
Youth as the Heart of Peacebuilding
Young people in Pakistan are eager to shape a more inclusive future. Through COPE Pakistan,
they learn skills of leadership, empathy, and dialogue. I’ve watched youth reject hatred and
embrace diversity, daring to imagine a society where dignity and freedom are not privileges,
but rights for all.
From Local Action to Global Solidarity
Peace is not passive; it demands action. Protecting minority rights, fostering education that
celebrates diversity, and responding to crises with compassion — these are the pillars of
peacebuilding.
As part of the URI global family, our work in Pakistan contributes to a worldwide movement.
Local bridges we build in Lahore, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Multan, and Okara connect to global
bridges spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Together, our local choices create
global harmony.
Conclusion: Peace is My Choice
True peace begins in the heart. It begins when we choose dialogue over division, love over
fear.
In Pakistan, each interfaith prayer, each solidarity visit, and each youth gathering becomes a
brick in the foundation of lasting peace.
As URI CC Coordinator of COPE Pakistan, I know one thing with certainty: peace is not a
distant dream. It is my choice — and it can be ours too.

3. During a special seminar on August 9 marking National Minority Day in Pakistan, Catholic
social activist Asher Nazir was honoured with the Peace and Interfaith Harmony Award in
recognition of his outstanding contributions to peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue.
Mr. Asher Nazir serves as the Executive Secretary of the Dominican-run Peace Center in
Lahore, Pakistan. The award was presented by Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Provincial
Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs, Government of Punjab, Pakistan.
Written by:
Asher Nazir
URI CC Coordinator, COPE Pakistan