On August 14, 2016 URI Pakistan CCs celebrated Pakistan Independence Day with 150 families and children from different religions in District Okara Renala Khurd. This program was organized by URI Pakistan, COPE Pakistan CC, Catholic T.V, A.M Welfare Society, Federation of Young Students, and Renala Cable Network.
Mr. Asher Nazir, COPE Pakistan CC’s Coordinator and URI Pakistan’s Executive Secretary welcomed the children and their parents and encouraged all those present to celebrate being Pakistani on this day. All minorities in Pakistan are Pakistani and have made sacrifices for this country and still contribute our talent, blood, life, and service as teachers, soldiers, doctors, social workers, religious leaders, and political leaders to make Pakistan strong and peaceful for all people. On Independence Day, we must promise to be united in practice and thought against negative thinking, terrorism, and others who would divide us. We should promote peace, interfaith harmony, love, tolerance, and respect for others. As Pakistanis we are defenders of Pakistan.
The children sang national songs, and participated in a speech competition, with some girls wearing white and green (the colors of the Pakistani flag), and boys wearing Independence shirts. After the program, gifts were distributed to the children, who were happy to receive them.
Some organizations’ representatives shared their views on the wonderful participation of different religions and appreciation for the children’s talent. They also reaffirmed the importance of celebrating diversity and remembering what it means to be Pakistani, and encouraged attendees to stand united and work together for peace and interfaith harmony in Pakistan. URI Pakistan and everyone at the Independence Day celebration oppose the negative thinking behind the murder of children, women, disabled people, citizens, and violence at hospitals, airports, churches, mosques, and city markets.
Special thanks to the children, their parents, organization members, the staff of Catholic T.V., and Fr. James Channan OP, Regional Coordinator for URI Pakistan, who supported and guided us in organizing this program in collaboration with different organizations and people from different faiths.
In peace,
Asher Nazir
Executive Secretary
URI Pakistan
Coordinator
COPE CC
