PESHAWAR
\nAs the sun dips below Kohi Sufaid mountains and the call to prayer echoes across Peshawar\u2019s streets, long sheets of white cloth are spread along bustling roads for iftar parties.
\nPlates of dates, pakoras, jalebi, fruits and sweet drinks are carefully arranged by well off people and philanthropists in different places including Hastnagri, LRH gates, Namak Mandi, Qissa Khwani bazaar and famous bazaars.
\nStrangers sit shoulder to shoulder, united in iftaar that cemented warmth and friendship among people of different faiths.
\nBeyond its spiritual essence, Ramazan in Peshawar has become a living symbol of interfaith harmony and social cohesion, where Muslims and minorities come together in a shared spirit of generosity.
\nAt Hashtnagri Bazaar, 45-year-old Rawandar Singh, dressed in his traditional turban, stands with packets of dates and pakoras in hand. For over a decade, he has distributed iftaar items among fasting Muslims which is a practice he inherited from his late father, Awtah Singh.
\n\u201cI feel inner peace and satisfaction while continuing this noble tradition throughout the 30 days of Ramazan,\u201d Rawandar told APP. \u201cI still remember my father handing out food especially dates and pakora from Hashtnagri to Mohalla Jogan Ramdas. Those moments remain fresh in my heart even today.\u201d
\nNow assisted by his young son, Rawandar sees the act not just as charity, but as a gesture of respect and admiration for his Muslim neighbors.
\n\u201cIt strengthens bonds of love and brotherhood,\u201d he said with a smile, as passersby warmly greeted him moments before iftar.
\nSimilarly, Dewa Singh and his son Tajindar Singh, who run a telecommunications business in Hashtnagri, organize daily iftar arrangements for dozens of fasting individuals.
\n\u201cInviting people of different faiths to iftar sends a strong message of love and friendship to the world,\u201d they said. \u201cWithout winning hearts and minds, we cannot build a society where everyone enjoys equal rights and respect.\u201d
\nThey emphasized that the practice dates back generations in their family a tradition of warmth and solidarity with Muslim brothers during the holy month.
\nAcross the city from Qissa Khwani Bazaar to University Road, Lady Reading Hospital, Takhto Jumat and Ramdas roadside mass iftaars draw laborers, shopkeepers, travelers and families from diverse backgrounds.
\nThe colorful spread of dahe bhalay, chappal kebab, polao, rice, meat dishes and sweet beverages reflects not only culinary richness but communal unity.
\nHaroon Sarbdayal, a representative of the Hindu community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and founding member of the Pakistan Council of World Religions, believes Ramazan offers a powerful platform for strengthening interfaith bonds.
\nAll prophets and founders of religions promoted peace, forgiveness, patience and love, he said. \u201cBut we must promote acceptance along with tolerance. Acceptance builds durable peace.\u201d
\nHe shared that the Hindu community also arranges iftar gatherings during Ramazan and plans to host a grand interfaith iftar in the last Ashra of the holy month in Peshawar, inviting leaders of all religions.
\n\u201cDialogue and interaction can remove misperceptions among followers of different faiths,\u201d he added, suggesting the establishment of common study centers to encourage understanding and mutual respect.
\nMaulana Tayyab Qureshi, Central Khateeb KP described interfaith harmony as the foundation of a peaceful society.
\n\u201cInviting one another to iftar cements bonds of friendship and brotherhood among people of all religions,\u201d he said.
\nHe referred to the historic Charter of Medina, which granted religious freedoms and laid principles of coexistence. \u201cIts teachings remain relevant today for ensuring lasting peace,\u201d he said.
\nCalling charity a core component of Islam particularly significant during Ramazan, he urged people to donate responsibly through reputable organizations to ensure their contributions reach the deserving.
\nAs the Magrib Azan signals the end of the fast, hands rise in prayer and dates are shared across faith lines.
\nIn these fleeting yet profound moments, Peshawar\u2019s streets transform into spaces of compassion and collective humanity.
\nThe charitable initiatives from roadside iftar dastarkhwans to organized Ramazan camps are more than acts of generosity.
\nThey are reminders that shared values of kindness, patience and service transcend religious boundaries.
\nIn a world often marked by division, the spirit of Ramazan in Peshawar quietly tells another story of unity, respect and enduring friendship.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR As the sun dips below Kohi Sufaid mountains and the call to prayer echoes across Peshawar\u2019s streets, long sheets of white cloth are spread along bustling roads for iftar parties. Plates of dates, pakoras, jalebi, fruits and sweet drinks are carefully arranged by well off people and philanthropists in different places including Hastnagri, LRH […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":532647,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-532654","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n