Multan, Pakistan—UPF-Pakistan commemorated the UN International Day of Peace 2017 by co-organizing a seminar on “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All” with the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). The event took place on September 21, 2017 in the conference hall of MCCI’s building in Multan, a city located in Punjab province.
Among the 200 attendees were Mr. Khawaja Muhammad Usman, provincial minister of commerce and trade, and former president of the MCCI; Mr. Mughees Ahmed Sheikh, president of the MCCI; Mr. Gulzar Ahmed, a retired officer of the Pakistan Army; Ms. Ammara Ghufran, president of the South Punjab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Mr. Makhdoom Syed Wajahat Hussain Gillani, a religious leader in Pakistan.
The event began with the recitation of a few verses from the Holy Quran. Afterwards, the emcee, UPF-Pakistan representative and Ambassador for Peace Mr. Syed Muhammad spoke about UPF and UPF founder Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon’s contributions to peace, and read a quote about peace from Rev. Moon. In his remarks, he also explained the link between peace and the economic development of a country, and encouraged the business community to support peace and harmony for the betterment of society.
Ms. Ammara Ghufran, president of the South Punjab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the role of women in building peace, as well as named several women who have contributed towards peace, including Malala Yousafzai, the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Mr. Makhdoom Syed Wajahat Hussain Gillani, a religious leader in Pakistan spoke about peace from an Islamic perspective. He said Islam is a religion of peace and that it teaches about brotherhood, living together, working together, respect and dignity. In addition, he underscored reducing terrorism in society.
Mr. Khajawa Muhammad Usman, provincial minister of commerce and trade, praised UPF-Pakistan for its efforts to gather all stakeholders of society—including government, religious, and civil society leaders—to advance peace. Mr. Usman thanked the MCCI for helping to organize the event and asked Pakistan’s government agencies to foster peace in the area so that the business community can flourish.
The program closed with a musical performance by local singer Mr. Atta Ullah, who sang “Sufiana Kalam,” and dinner.