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First Peace Pole Planted in Multan, Pakistan

During a very colorful ceremony first Peace Pole of the World Peace Prayer Society was planted in the Southern Punjab, Pakistan. The ceremony of this planting took place at the Pastoral Institute, Multan on 20th of February 2003. There were over 150 believers of Islam, Christianity and Hinduism. They offered prayers for peace and raised slogans such as: We want peace, Give peace a chance, Peace is Possible, Yes to peace, No to war, Stop War, We love peace.

By Fr. James Channan OP, South Asia URI Regional Coordinator

During a very colorful ceremony first Peace Pole of the World Peace Prayer Society was planted in the Southern Punjab, Pakistan. The ceremony of this planting took place at the Pastoral Institute, Multan on 20h of the February 2003. There were over 150 believers of Islam, Christianity and Hinduism. They offered prayers for peace and raised slogans such as: We want peace, Give peace a chance, Peace is Possible, Yes to peace, No to war, Stop War, We love peace.

The students and teachers of the Pastoral Institute and Dominican Formation House, Multan prepared hundreds of colorful play cards and banners. The entire premises of the Pastoral Institute were full of colorful banners, posters, play cards. The trees, plants, bushes, walls, rooms, notice boards and auditorium were all beautifully decorated with banners, balloons and play cards.

On the Peace Pole “May Peace Prevail On Earth” was written four languages: English, Urdu, Italian and Arabic. The slogan in Arabic was in a very special way highly admired by the Muslims brothers and sisters, since it is the sacred language of the Holy Quran. There were three parts of the ceremony, Peace Walk, Planting of the Peace Pole and Peace Conference. The peaceful demonstration took place in the premises of the Pastoral Institute where hundreds of people, most of them youth took out a peaceful procession, raising the slogans while saying, Yes to Peace, No to War, Peace is Possible, We Love Peace, Give Peace a Chance. There was a big banner being carried on in front of the procession with the inscription, May Peace Prevail on Earth, World Peace Conference, 20th of February 2003, the Pastoral Institute, Multan. It was wonderful to see young people, children, students, priest, religious sisters, social workers, human rights activists, and Muslim clerics, men, women and children walking side by side for peace. The procession was led by Most Rev. Dr. Andrew Francis, Catholic Bishop of Multan, Mr. Rashid Rehman, a Muslims human rights activists, Mr. Liquat Ali Kambo, an advocate and Muslim religious leaders, Mr. Ram Prashad, a Hindu leaders, Miss. Livina Gill and Fr James Channan OP, Director Pastoral Institute Multan and Coordinator URI. There were more than 30 members of the URI part of this program.

After the procession which lasted for about half an hour, the ceremony of the planting of the Peace Pole took place. Fr James Channan introduced the history of the Peace Pole that is a symbol of peace all around the world and that over 200,000 poles are planted in 180 countries. It is matter of pride for Multan that first pole in being planted in the Southern Punjab. This way we have joined the international community of the World Peace Prayer Society. It was also mentioned that at the same a seminar on non-violence is going on in the United Nations and our ceremony will be mentioned over there. Most Rev. Andrew Francis highly praised the efforts of the World Peace Prayer Society and he said we fully support this society and planting of this pole has made a historical mark in Multan which is called City of Saints. Dozens of doves and pigeons were set free as a sign that we lover peace. Several kilos of rose petals were showered on the peace pole. Bishop Andrew Said, this pole symbolized that our prayers are rooted in the mother earth and they raised to God in heaven. Bishop Andrew, Ms. Livina Gill, Fr James Channan, (Christians) Mr. Liquat Ali Kambo (Muslim) and Mr. Ram Parshad jointly launched installing ceremony of the pole in the midst of claps and jubilation. This pole is installed permanently at the most prominent place in a lawn at the Pastoral Institute Multan. Whosoever, will come here will see this pole and get the message, May Peace Prevail on Earth.

After the planting of this Peace Pole all participants went to the auditorium of the Pastoral Institute for the Peace Conference. This conference began with the recitation about peace from the Holy Bible, Holy Qur'an and Baghavad Gita. This followed by a lighting a candle of peace by believers of three religions. Every person in the hall lit his/her candle from this candle.

Over a dozens speakers gave beautiful speech on the dangers and possibilities of peace. During this time Most Rev. John Victor Mall, the Bishop of Multan, Church of Pakistan also joined. He said we fully support peace efforts of the World Peace Prayer Society and it is an honor for us that a Peace Pole has been planted in Multan. He strongly opposed the possible attack of USA on Iraq. He said we are with the people of Iraq. It was a general consent that USA should not refrain attacking Iraq. The tension and issues between Iraq and USA must be resolved through peaceful means. If the war will begin it will be very horrible and millions of innocent people will die resulting from this possible war. It was also mentioned that Pope John Paul II, Bishops from many countries of the world, religious leaders from all over the world are against this war therefore, there should not be war. It was also appealed to government of Pakistan that they should not favor war against Iraq. The message of Deborah Moldow, Director, World Peace Prayer was also read during this conference. Her message was received with great joy and appreciation. Toward the end of the peace conference there was a moment of silence for peace, followed by saying together, May Peace Prevail on Earth!
May Peace Prevail in Pakistan!
May Peace Prevail in the United States of America!

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