Christians from Various Denominations Gather in Pakistan to Honor Akash Bashir’s Sacrifice During Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Pilgrimage for Unity: Honoring Akash Bashir

During this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a special group of Christians from various denominations gathered to pay tribute to a true hero. They made a pilgrimage to the grave of Akash Bashir, a young Pakistani Salesian who, in 2015, gave his life to prevent a terrorist attack at his church in Lahore, Pakistan.

Akash Bashir: A Martyr and Bridge Between Religions

Akash Bashir is widely regarded as a martyr, even in Pakistan, a country with a predominantly Muslim population. According to Vatican News Agency Fides, his sacrifice is one that unites Christians from all denominations and has earned him veneration from Muslims as well. His actions go beyond religious boundaries and serve as a powerful example of courage and selflessness.

“His act of sacrificing his life to protect innocent people at St. John Church is not just a Christian story—it’s a symbol of unity that fosters interreligious dialogue,” Fides explained.

A Unified Prayer for Pakistan’s Christians

As part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, an ecumenical prayer service was held at Bashir’s tomb. The gathering included a Catholic priest, Father Lazar Aslam, and two Protestant pastors, I.B. Rocky and Samuel Ashan Khokhar. Together, they prayed for the safety and well-being of Christians in Pakistan, seeking Bashir’s intercession.

Pastor Samuel Ashan Khokhar recalled the tragic events of March 15, 2015, when Akash Bashir’s bravery saved countless lives. Khokhar, who was responsible for handling the victims after the attack, emotionally shared his memory of writing Bashir’s name on a body bag.

“It was a heartbreaking moment, and I’ll never forget placing Akash’s name among the victims. His courage on that day remains a testament to his faith and sacrifice,” Khokhar said.

The pilgrimage and prayer service served not only to honor Bashir’s legacy but also to reaffirm the shared faith and hope that unite Christians around the world.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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