Muzaffarabad, (PaJK): In the capital of Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, the Christian community celebrated their global religious festival, Palm Sunday, with devotion and reverence. A special prayer service and celebration were held at the local church in Muzaffarabad, attended by a large number of Christian families, children, and elders.
Prominently, Muslim leadership from Muzaffarabad actively participated in the event. They visited the church to extend their warm greetings to the Christian community on their holy festival, delivering a powerful message of interfaith harmony, love, and brotherhood.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Mayor of Muzaffarabad Municipal Corporation Syed Sikandar Nisar Gilani, former Chairman of the Development Authority and Chairman of Muzaffarabad City Development Foundation Zahid Amin Advocate, Secretary of Allotment Development Authority Muhammad Saleem Awan, DFA President Mehtab Mir, Councillor Umair Kayani, Chairperson of Workers Union Azad Kashmir Elder Riyasat Masih, Sonia Riyasat, Riaz Masih, and other political and social personalities.
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Christian community leaders expressed their pride in the participation of Muslim guests, emphasizing that Muzaffarabad offers equal religious freedoms to all communities, fostering a society bound by brotherhood and mutual respect.
During the event, speeches were delivered by prominent leaders such as former Chairman Zahid Amin and Mayor Syed Sikandar Nisar Gilani. They reassured the Christian community and all minorities of their complete freedom in Azad Jammu & Kashmir to practice their faith, worship, and contribute positively to society, just like other citizens.
The speeches also highlighted the invaluable contribution of sanitation workers in Muzaffarabad. Zahid Amin praised their efforts, stating, “Sanitation workers wake up before dawn to clean the entire city. You are our pride. Addressing your issues is the responsibility of the state, and we are committed to fulfilling this responsibility.” He also appreciated the provision of land for the construction of a church, acknowledging it as a commendable step toward ensuring religious freedom.
Elder Riyasat Masih also expressed gratitude to the government of Azad Kashmir, particularly the former Chairman Zahid Amin, the Station Commander of the Pakistan Army, and other officials, for their efforts in fulfilling the Christian community’s longstanding demand for a place of worship. He emphasized that “We are all citizens of the same state, and we must stand by each other during festivals and moments of joy. Interfaith harmony is the path to progress and peace.”
The event concluded with special prayers for religious tolerance, peace, and unity in the region.
