The Multan chapter of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) organized a workshop and guided tour of local Sufi shrines on Oct. 10, including those that have been restored through grants from the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). This tour not only helped local youth understand more about their cultural heritage, but it underscored that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance.

PUAN members and other participants from the community gathered at the SOS Children’s Village, a center for orphaned children located in the suburbs of Multan. After an introductory meeting, approximately 200 people, including 175 children and youth from the SOS Village, their teachers and guardians, and PUAN members, gathered for a workshop about the local shrines and Sufism.  Alumni and the caretakers of the shrines explained the contributions of the Sufi saints in the dissemination of Islam and their focus on peace and tolerance. Participants discussed current obstacles and challenges to harmony and co-existence.

Following the discussion, 75 participants embarked on a tour of the most famous shrines located in the heart of Multan. During the tour, the group visited the Hazarat Bahauddin Zakariya, Hazarat Shah Ruken-i-Alam, and Hazrat Shah Shams shrines. PUAN members highlighted the various projects sponsored by the AFCP.  Learn more about AFCP: http://eca.state.gov/cultural-heritage-center/ambassadors-fund-cultural-preservation.