PAKISTAN CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION HOSTS 34TH ANNUAL INTERFAITH DINNER IN NEW YORK, CHAMPIONING UNITY AND HARMONY

Hicksville, New York – In a vibrant celebration marking the Christmas and New Year season, the Pakistan Christian Association of USA (PCA) successfully concluded its 34th Annual Bainul Mazahib (Interfaith) Dinner here on Saturday. The event, held at a local restaurant, brought together diverse religious and community leaders to promote a powerful message of mutual respect, interfaith harmony, and collective service.

The evening commenced with solemn prayers, featuring the recitation of the Holy Bible, the singing of Pakistan’s national anthem, and a community prayer by the Christian attendees, setting a tone of reverence and shared patriotism.

Central to the event was the emphasis on transcending religious differences for the sake of common humanity. PCA Chairman Williams Shahzad, Secretary General James Sepryan, and Vice President Mazhar Abdullah addressed the gathering, underscoring the association’s philanthropic work.

“Our religious teachings and beliefs are different, but nothing is greater than humanity,” said Chairman Williams Shahzad. He highlighted the association’s concrete efforts, particularly during the recent floods in Pakistan. “We provided seeds, fertilizer, and a complete support package worth approximately 250,000 PKR to 20 farmers. Our team on the ground did excellent work, providing food for daily sustenance and organizing medical camps for the affected.”

The dinner attracted notable figures from public service, including Inspector Adil Rana, the first Pakistani-origin officer to hold that rank in the NYPD, and Own Naqvi, Executive Director of Asian American Affairs for Nassau County. Both lauded the PCA’s initiatives.

“Such events are extremely important because they promote religious tolerance, unity, and strong community bonds,” said Inspector Adil Rana.

Own Naqvi echoed the sentiment, stating, “The event is significant because it shows unity. It shows that we are one, we come from one, and we can celebrate and help each other. No matter if you are Christian, Muslim, Jewish—you are there as one to help each other.” Naqvi also presented a citation from Nassau County and offered the county’s support for community initiatives in Long Island.

The spiritual message of Christmas was delivered by Father Ilyas Gill and Akram Gill, who focused on themes of peace, love, and brotherhood. “The message of Christmas is a message of love, peace, hope, and brotherhood,” said Father Ilyas Gill. He expressed profound gratitude to the Muslim community, saying, “I am especially very grateful to my Muslim brothers and sisters that you join us in our happiness. There is no tension between Muslim and Christian individuals. We are one, we were one, we will remain one.”

Mustaq Ahmed Kambo, Coordinator of the Bainul Mazahib Committee, emphasized the enduring importance of such dialogue. “The teachings of Jesus Christ always promoted peace and reconciliation. We are resolved that in the future, such interfaith gatherings will continue to spread the message of peace, love, and brotherhood.”

Awards were presented to various social personalities for their outstanding community service. The ceremony also featured the cutting of a Christmas cake and the presentation of gift books to guests.

The event transformed into a joyous cultural celebration with special Christmas songs, a soulful Mehfil-e-Sama (Sufi musical gathering), and energetic Qawwali performances. The highlight was a performance of the classic “Mera Piya ghar aya,” which captivated the audience and left the hall echoing with applause, making the evening a truly memorable affair.

The 34th Annual Interfaith Dinner stood as a testament to the Pakistan Christian Association’s longstanding commitment to fostering inter-religious dialogue, celebrating shared values, and serving communities both in the United States and in Pakistan.