Multan:An Olive branch is a symbol of peace and olive tree is taken as the most beloved and sacred trees in various cultures and religions. Usage of olive branch as a symbol of peace is related to ancient Greek and roman cultures. In the ancient Rome the defeated army during a war wood use to hold an olive branch to give signal to the enemies that they were requesting for peace. In Christian beliefs during the Great Flood, prophet Noah (P.B.U.H) sent a dove in search of land that returned with an olive leaf that was seen as a hope of land nearby. In holy Quran’s Surah-Ulteen “ Allah swore upon Olive .”
In modern days olive tree or its branches are taken as symbols of peace, love and interfaith harmony as was observed in Multan when Arch Bishop Sebastian Shaw Chairman interfaith harmony and the Vice Chancellor of Bahauddin Zakriya University Tahir Ameen planted the olive tree as a symbol of peace in Islamic Department.
Arch Bishop Sebastian Shaw says” Multan has rich history regarding humanitarian, culture and moral values. Multan is a city with different religions and sect. Everyone is free to practice their beliefs and Multan is a blessed place to practice the beliefs. He also said acceptance is a factor which helps us to build the harmony in the society. Youth is a major part of the society and they have to play the role to spread harmony by love serve one another”.
VC of the University Tahir Ameen said” we are educating the students about the harmony and we treat all students of different religion equally. The olive tree is a symbol of peace and harmony and I am glad that Bishop has joined us in such peace and harmony building process which is a good message all over that we believe in peace.
Students BZU university were happy about the planted olive tree which is a symbol of peace. Usama Chughtai the student of Islamic studies said the plantation of the tree is more than a peace as today it is justify that the all human race and gender are happy just of peace.
Peter Jacob the student of sciences says as the University has called the bishop for the peace I am very happy that I have been represented to the society by the bishop and we also want peace which will be here and after.
