Lahore, November 23, 2024: In a significant and heartwarming development, the administration of the Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH) in Lahore has dedicated a special place for Christian worship, marking a milestone for interfaith harmony just ahead of Christmas. This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Pir Allama Muhammad Abid Zubair, Rev. Fr. James Chanan OP, Saqib Bajwa (Executive Director of PIMH), and Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq.

For years, the Christian staff and patients at PIMH, which is home to approximately 700 employees, including 250 Christians, faced challenges sharing a single prayer space with Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs. The shared space often led to scheduling conflicts, resulting in tensions and, on one occasion, a dispute that threatened to deepen religious divides.

The resolution came after two years of dedicated meetings led by Rev. Fr. James Chanan, Director of the Peace Center Lahore, and Pir Allama Muhammad Abid Zubair. On November 18, 2024, their efforts bore fruit when a newly constructed building was officially dedicated as a Christian prayer space.

Speaking at the inauguration, Rev. Fr. James Chanan expressed his gratitude to the PIMH administration and government officials. "This is a remarkable moment for the Christian community here at PIMH. The previous arrangement allowed us just 30 minutes in a shared auditorium, which was insufficient for our prayers. Now, with this dedicated prayer room, our community can worship freely, especially during this blessed Christmas season," he said.

Pir Allama Muhammad Abid highlighted the significance of interfaith harmony in Islam, stating, "Islam advocates for freedom of worship and respect for all religions. This initiative is a testament to that principle. From the vast 100 acres of PIMH land, a small yet meaningful space has been allocated for our Christian brothers and sisters."

The ceremony, held in a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, featured a choir composed of Christian nursing staff singing psalms of thanksgiving. Fr. Chanan also thanked Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq and Saqib Bajwa for their instrumental roles in making this possible.

The History Behind PIMH

The Punjab Institute of Mental Health, formerly known as the Government Mental Hospital, has a rich history dating back to 1900. Originally established as the Central Lunatic Asylum, it has evolved into South Asia’s largest psychiatric facility. The institution has witnessed transformative changes, including the replacement of outdated lunacy laws with modern mental health ordinances and significant infrastructural improvements.

Today, PIMH stands as a beacon of mental health services, serving not only as a healthcare institution but also as a symbol of coexistence and inclusivity.

A Christmas Gift of Hope

This dedicated Christian prayer space is not just a place for worship but a gesture of inclusivity and goodwill, sending a powerful message of unity ahead of Christmas. It offers solace and spiritual upliftment to the Christian community at PIMH, reminding us all of the importance of interfaith harmony in fostering peace and understanding in society.

With this achievement, Lahore’s Christian community has received a meaningful Christmas gift, and it stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished when people from different faiths work together for a common good.