https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
NEW YORK, July 11 (Alliance News): Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation (OPGF), Zaheer Akhtar Mehr, has called for strengthening global peace through dialogue, compassion and mutual respect, declaring that humanity must remain the common identity shared by all people irrespective of religion, nationality or ethnicity.
“We are all one, and humanity is our true identity,” Mehr said while attending an Interfaith Reception held in honor of Cardinal Joseph Coutts in New York.
The reception brought together religious leaders, diplomats, community representatives, social activists and members of the international community in a celebration of peace, friendship and interfaith understanding.
The gathering recognized Cardinal Joseph Coutts for his lifelong contribution to promoting religious harmony, peaceful coexistence and dialogue among different faith communities.
Addressing participants, Mehr said the modern world is witnessing growing divisions, conflicts and intolerance, making dialogue and understanding more essential than ever.
“Our faiths may be different, our cultures may vary and our languages may not be the same, but humanity is the bond that unites us all,” he said. “When we recognize our shared values, we replace fear with trust, hatred with respect and conflict with cooperation.”
Describing the event as an inspiring example of unity, the OPGF chairman said the Interfaith Reception reflected the power of dialogue in bringing people together despite differences.
“In New York, faith met friendship and diversity embraced unity,” he said. “Such gatherings remind us that lasting peace is built through conversations, respect and sincere engagement rather than division and confrontation.”
Mehr said every meaningful dialogue strengthens peace and creates opportunities for greater understanding among communities.
“With every step toward dialogue, peace grows stronger,” he remarked. “Every conversation that encourages understanding helps remove barriers, reduce prejudice and build confidence between people.”
He paid tribute to Cardinal Joseph Coutts for his lifelong efforts in promoting peace, tolerance and interfaith cooperation, describing him as a respected global voice for harmony and reconciliation.
“Leaders who dedicate their lives to serving humanity inspire generations to build bridges instead of walls,”
OPGF Chairman Zaheer Akhtar Mehr said.
“Cardinal Joseph Coutts has consistently promoted the values of compassion, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence, leaving behind a legacy that transcends religious boundaries.” He said.
Highlighting the role of overseas Pakistanis, Mehr said Pakistani communities living abroad have consistently served as ambassadors of goodwill by promoting mutual respect, cultural understanding and positive engagement wherever they reside.
“Our overseas Pakistanis contribute significantly to education, healthcare, business, science, technology and philanthropy while strengthening friendships among diverse communities,” he said. “They proudly represent Pakistan’s values of hospitality, peace and respect for humanity.”
He said the Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that encourage dialogue, social harmony and humanitarian cooperation across the world.
“The Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation proudly stands with global ambassadors of harmony, proving that love, respect and humanity know no borders,” he said.
Mehr noted that interfaith dialogue has become increasingly important in addressing many of the challenges confronting the international community, including intolerance, extremism, discrimination and social polarization.
“No nation or community can overcome these challenges alone,” he said. “The solutions lie in cooperation, empathy and a shared commitment to human dignity.”
He urged governments, faith leaders, educational institutions and civil society organizations to work together in promoting tolerance, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
According to Mehr, education remains one of the strongest tools for combating prejudice and building understanding among future generations.
“Our youth must learn to celebrate diversity rather than fear it,” he said. “If we teach respect today, we will secure a more peaceful tomorrow.”
He also highlighted the responsibility of the media in promoting constructive dialogue and countering narratives of hatred and division.
“Responsible journalism has the power to unite societies by highlighting stories of hope, cooperation and shared humanity,” he observed.
Mehr said organizations such as OPGF believe that community engagement, volunteerism and humanitarian service are practical ways of translating the message of peace into meaningful action.
He said the Foundation continues to collaborate with international organizations, community groups and peace advocates to organize conferences, seminars, cultural exchanges and humanitarian initiatives aimed at strengthening understanding among people of different backgrounds.
The OPGF chairman further emphasized that technological advancement has connected people across continents, but genuine peace can only be achieved when hearts and minds are connected through respect and compassion.
“Technology can connect our devices, but only humanity can connect our hearts,” he said.
Participants at the reception appreciated the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace, understanding and cooperation among followers of different religions and cultures.
The event concluded with participants expressing hope that continued engagement among religious leaders, diplomats and civil society organizations would further strengthen international efforts aimed at promoting harmony, tolerance and mutual respect.
Concluding his remarks, Mehr reiterated the universal message that united everyone present at the gathering.
“We are all one, and humanity is our true identity. Let us replace hatred with hope, division with dialogue and prejudice with understanding. Together, we can build a world where peace, respect and human dignity rise above every border.”
The Interfaith Reception served as another reminder that meaningful dialogue remains one of the most effective paths toward building a more peaceful, inclusive and compassionate world.
Through its participation in such international initiatives, the Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting global ambassadors of peace and strengthening bridges of friendship among nations, cultures and faiths.
