Pakistani Christians pray for peace as deadly anti-US protests erupt after Iran’s leader’s killing; Zardari urges Hindus to mark Holi with simplicity.
Newsroom (03/03/2026 Gaudium Press) Pakistani Christians on Sunday observed a nationwide “Day of Prayer for Peace” as the country grappled with violent anti-US demonstrations triggered by the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike. The call for peace resonated across Pakistan, where religious tensions and security fears have sharply escalated.
Prayers Amid Unrest
At least 25 people have died and 73 others have been injured in widespread clashes since March 1, after protesters in Karachi attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate. The violent confrontations spread to Islamabad and Lahore, prompting authorities to deploy additional security forces and heighten checkpoints, particularly around diplomatic zones.
Against this turbulent backdrop, Archbishop Azad Marshall, moderator of the Church of Pakistan, urged Christians across the country to hold special Sunday services dedicated to peace. “As followers of the Prince of Peace, Christians call upon all nations and peoples to work together for the elimination of violence,” he said, emphasizing the nation’s collective duty to promote harmony at a time of regional instability.
Messages of Reflection and Solidarity
In Karachi, Father Tariq George led a prayer service calling for patience and introspection. “This is a time for reflection, not retaliation,” he said, describing inner peace as the foundation for national unity. “We stand with Pakistan and pray that wisdom prevails over anger.”
Community leader Luke Victor echoed this sentiment, stressing that the current turmoil affects all faiths. “It is important to remember that not only Muslims are being martyred in Iran — Christians and others are suffering too,” he told reporters. “This is not about religion; it is about humanity. Our leaders, including the pope and Anglican bishops, have made it clear: the killings must stop immediately.”
Victor voiced concern for Pakistan’s Christian community, which has historically faced backlash during periods of unrest. “We are coordinating with the police and security agencies,” he said, “because in past protests, our communities have been vulnerable. We urge authorities to ensure protection so that no group becomes a victim of reactionary violence.”
Hindu Community Urged to Celebrate Holi with Simplicity
While Christians prayed for peace, President Asif Ali Zardari called on Pakistan’s Hindu community to mark the annual spring festival of Holi “with simplicity and restraint.” His appeal came amid ongoing regional tensions, especially along the Afghan frontier, and heightened security concerns within the country.
Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council, backed the president’s message, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility. “Prioritizing national security and public safety is a shared responsibility under the current critical circumstances,” he said, urging Hindu community leaders to avoid large-scale public events and cooperate fully with local authorities.
Minorities Stand Together in a Time of Strain
Hindus and Christians together comprise a small minority of Pakistan’s 180 million people, the vast majority of whom are Muslim. Most Hindus live in Sindh province, while Punjab hosts the largest Christian population. Yet in the face of regional volatility and domestic unrest, both communities have shown a quiet unity of purpose — to preserve peace, uphold national stability, and affirm their shared devotion to Pakistan’s collective well-being.
As government security measures remain on alert and protests continue to ripple across major cities, the faithful in churches and temples alike have turned to prayer as their most powerful response — seeking calm not only for Pakistan but for a world at the brink of wider conflict.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from UCA News
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