Faisalabad: May 17, 2009. (PCP) Arooj-e-Mariam Catholic Church, National Council for Interfaith Dialogue and Diocesan Commission for Interfaith Dialogue jointly organized a women vigil rally and a special prayer service for establishment of peace in Pakistan at Centre for Peace and Harmony on May 14, 2009. The rally aimed to express solidarity with the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of Malakand division, to condemn the violent actions of Talibans in Malakand division and to show support for the military operation to curb the influence of Talibans in Swat, Malakand, Dir, Buner and adjoining areas. Bishop Joseph Coutts (Bishop of Faisalabad) and Father Nisar Barkat (Director NCJP) led the prayer service and peace rally, which was joined by over 200 Christian women from different localities of Faisalabad. The participants of the rally demanded that: · People affected from military operation should be provided better health, diet and dwelling services; · Displaced people from war zones should be provided transportation and security to access relief camps safe and sound; · Displaced people should be properly monitored to avoid entrance of terrorists and suicide bombers in other settled cities in the cover of affected people; · Better strategy should be formulated to complete Military operation in short period of time to mitigate the sufferings and miseries of affected people. At this juncture, the participants lighting up the candle for peace offered prayers which states that: We pray that Almighty God may change the hearts and minds of those who believe in solving their problems through terrorism, violence and hatred. The rally also prayed for the establishment of peaceful environment in Pakistan so that displaced people could return to their homes. Role of Mothers in Promotion of Peace On 10th May 2009, Arooj-e-Mariam Catholic Church organized a seminar entitled ‘Role of Mothers in Promotion of Peace’ to celebrate International Mothers’ Day at Centre for Peace and Harmony in Faisalabad. 175 Muslim and Christian teachers, students, lawyers, representatives of civil society organizations attended the event. The purpose of seminar was to pay homage to the sacrifices of mothers for children and to highlight their vital role for progress of a nation. Father Nisar Barkat (Director-NCJP), Mrs. Bimla Teresa, Ms. Naila Arooj and Ms. Aqsa Kanwal were among the speakers. Father Nisar Barkat said, “We need good mothers rather than politicians and leaders for stability and development of the country”. “Mothers could easily play positive role in promotion of peace by providing toys indicating peace instead of indicating violence like gun, tank, sword etc. to their children, and must avoid quarrelling and using derogatory words at homes”, he added. Ms. Aqsa Kanwal said, “This day is celebrated to refresh the love of mothers towards their children, and also this day gives opportunity to everyone to respect mothers for their affection, devotion and motherhood”. Mrs. Bimla Teresa said, “It is imperative for mothers to acquaint their children especially girls with modern quality education for prosperous future of the country in general and family in particular”.