KARACHI: A group of Hindu youths in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi hosted Muslims, primarily low-wage laborers, for iftar on Sunday, saying the initiative is aimed at promoting peace and interfaith harmony. 

Muslims break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan with an evening meal known as iftar. Members of the Hindu Maheshwar community, who hail from Pakistan’s southern Tharparkar district, have been hosting Muslims for iftar daily from Ramadan 21 and aim to continue the practice till the last day of the month. The iftar is organized by the community at the Karachi Cantonment Railway Station area. 

“This is a sacred month of Ramadan in which we have organized this iftar program,” Sagar Langhani, one of the members of the Maheshwar community, told Arab News. “Its purpose is to promote peace.”

Langhani said Muslims in Pakistan celebrate Hindu religious festivals of Holi and Diwali, adding that his community would also celebrate Ramadan and Eid with Muslims. 

Bhevish Kumar, another member of the group, said in Tharparkar Hindus refrain from celebrating during the Islamic month of Muharram, in which Muslims mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He said in turn, Muslims in Tharparkar abstain from openly slaughtering animals during Eid Al-Adha out of respect for the Hindu religion, which considers cows sacred animals. 

“Our efforts extend beyond mere hospitality, we aim to instill hope, inclusivity, and pluralism,” Kumar told Arab News. “This iftar drive is a healing wave against the currents of hatred, promoting peace and unity.”

The Maheshwar community is known for its mobilization initiatives. One such example is the Maheshwari Premier League, a cricket tournament that has expanded over time to include educational, health care campaigns and free medical tests. 

For the interfaith iftar, Langhani said the group selected a menu featuring vegetable biryani, potato samosas, the sweet jalebi snack and dates. 

“This is the greatest example of peace and brotherhood which we have established, sending a message of positivity to the world,” Langhani said, adding that humanity should be promoted as it “always comes first.”

He further emphasized the inclusive nature of the event, stating that people from all faiths are present at the iftar. 

“We don’t ask anyone about their background, there is nothing about caste or creed,” he said. 

“This is a spread of love.”