This was stated by the Grand Imam of Lahore mosque, in Pakistan, Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, speaking today at the International Meeting of the Community of Sant'Egidio in Sarajevo.
"The death of Shahbaz Bhatti – he continued - was a great loss. The problem of minorities must be confronted and it is important to have now in Pakistan a Ministry of National Harmony. "
Imam Azad also expressed appreciation for the appropriate choice to hold the meeting of Sant'Egidio in Sarajevo, twenty years since the conflict began: "This decision puts in relief the historical importance of prayer for peace ".
The Pakistani Grand Imam then lauded the organizers of the initiative: "Where there are efforts for peace, I must recognize sincerity and goodwill, which are the same requirements that make a prayer appreciated by God. This meeting is a concrete and practical action for peace. I want to thank Mustafa Ceric [Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina] and Andrea Riccardi. "
Azad then concluded: "Andrea Riccardi first lit a light of love and peace and now people around the world turn on new lights of love and peace."