LAHORE, August 8, 2026: Life for Guardians Foundation (LGF) organised an interfaith seminar titled “Green Pakistan, United Pakistan” at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lahore’s Cantt area, bringing religious leaders, government representatives, civil society members, students and young people together to promote environmental protection, climate action and national unity.
Held under the theme “Different Religions, One Nation, One Planet,” the event was organised in connection with National Minority Day and Pakistan’s Independence Day. Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora attended the seminar as chief guest.
Former Provincial Minister Ijaz Alam Augustine, Punjab Assembly members Tariq Masih Gill and Wasim Anjum Sandhu, P-CAN Network’s Dar-e-Shehwar, SPO’s Shah Nawaz Khan, columnist Sheeba Gul, Professor Kalyan Singh Kalyan, Father William, Bishop Naeem Prashad and other religious, social and community leaders also attended.
Focus on Environmental Protection and Interfaith Harmony
In her welcome address, LGF Executive Director Mehnaz Javed said the initiative aimed to bring religious leaders, government representatives, environmentalists, civil society, students and youth onto a common platform.
She said collective action was needed to raise awareness about environmental challenges and encourage communities to adopt environmentally responsible practices while promoting interfaith harmony and sustainable development.
Addressing the gathering, Ramesh Singh Arora said Pakistan was home to diverse religions, cultures and traditions and that all citizens were entitled to equal rights.
He said National Minority Day and Independence Day provided an opportunity to reinforce messages of unity, tolerance, mutual respect and national harmony.
The minister said tree plantation, environmental cleanliness and conservation of natural resources were both national responsibilities and moral obligations. He appreciated LGF for organising the interfaith environmental initiative and said such activities could contribute to environmental awareness and stronger social cohesion.
Arora also said the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, was taking measures aimed at promoting environmentally friendly policies, expanding tree plantation, controlling pollution and addressing climate-related challenges.
Religious Leaders Call for Collective Climate Action
Former provincial minister Ijaz Alam Augustine said religious teachings across Pakistan promote peace, compassion, service to humanity and respect for nature.
He said the minority community had contributed to Pakistan’s development, stability and prosperity and stressed the need for collective efforts to provide future generations with a clean, green and safe environment.
Augustine added that environmental protection was a shared responsibility requiring the participation of government institutions and all sections of society.
Religious leaders at the seminar also shared views on environmental protection, peace, tolerance, interfaith harmony and national unity. Speakers emphasised the common emphasis across religious traditions on humanity, respect for nature and protection of the environment.
Green Pakistan Rally Held at Church
At the conclusion of the seminar, Provincial Minister Ramesh Singh Arora led a Green Pakistan rally, which was attended by religious leaders, civil society representatives, students and young people.
Arora and other participants also planted a sapling on the church premises, reaffirming their commitment to environmental protection and a cleaner and greener Pakistan.
Representatives of civil society, government institutions, environmental organisations, religious communities, students and a large number of young people attended the event.
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