The Foreign Affairs Liaison Office (FALO) in Karachi hosted an interfaith and inter-cultural iftar dinner at the State Guest House, which was attended by diplomats of various countries, religious leaders and civil society representatives.
The event aimed to highlight the spiritual message of Ramazan, promote interfaith harmony and cultural dialogue, and showcase Pakistan’s positive, balanced and responsible role at the global level.
Addressing the occasion, FALO Director General Irfan Soomro welcomed the guests and said that when leaders, scholars and faith communities chose dialogue over silence, and reflection over reaction, peaceful co-existence became possible.
He said the current global landscape was marked by uncertainty, regional conflicts, rising extremism and growing social divisions, emphasising that meaningful dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect were essential for sustainable peace.
He added that representatives of different faiths and cultures coming together at one table sent a powerful message that harmony, cooperation and peaceful coexistence were possible despite differences.
Soomro said interfaith engagement spoke to that tradition and it reminded us that moral responsibility did not end at the boundaries of nationality or belief.
He said the sacred month of Ramazan observed by more than a billion Muslims across the globe was being honoured at the interfaith and inter-cultural iftar. Ramazan invited reflection, discipline and generosity, and encouraged us to look inward with humility and outward with compassion, he added.
He said Ramazan was also a time for spiritual renewal, a reminder that devotion was reflected in our treatment of others, in the patience we showed, and in the kindness we extended.
When communities gathered in good faith, stereotypes began to fade, familiarity replaced suspicion and the simple act of sitting together created space for mutual understanding, Soomro remarked.
He said the freedom of worship without fear remained a principle affirmed by the Charter of the United Nations. He added that in an era when many communities had faced violence or discrimination because of their beliefs, gatherings like this affirmed a shared commitment to dignity and coexistence.
Consul General of the Oman in Karachi Engineer Sami Abdullah Salim Al Khanjari, who also serves as the dean of the Diplomatic Corps in the city, said the event was a beautiful gathering of Ramazan which provided opportunity of friendship and understanding of faith and culture.
He called such events strong tools for peace that promoted mutual respect and harmony within countries.
Speakers noted that Ramazan was a month of patience, sacrifice, compassion, self-accountability and social responsibility, and these values contributed to balance, moderation and justice in international relations.
