Key Points
- Sikh community in Buner organised daily Iftar for Muslims.
- Initiative fed over 500 people daily during Ramadan.
- Sikh-Muslim relations in Buner rooted in decades of harmony.
- Communities participate in each other’s weddings, funerals, and events.
- Volunteers distribute ration packages to underprivileged Muslim families.
- Initiative extends beyond Ramadan with welfare and disaster relief efforts.
- More than 100 Sikh families contribute to local social welfare.
BUNER: Pakistan: As sunset approached in the mountainous district of Buner — located approximately 130 kilometres north of Peshawar — long rows of people gathered around tables laid with dates, water and freshly prepared meals.
The evening call to prayer signals the end of the fast, and hundreds of Muslims begin their Iftar together. But what makes this gathering truly remarkable is not just the number of people it feeds, but the dedicated individuals behind it.
In a powerful example of interfaith harmony, members of the local Sikh minority community have gone the extra mile to spearhead the organisation of daily Iftar meals and distribute food rations to underprivileged Muslim families during the holy month of Ramadan.
Faith in action
Among the dedicated volunteers involved is 26-year-old Gagan Singh — a software engineering graduate and a content creator — who works hand in hand with his family members including his uncle Satwant Singh and a network of local volunteers to run the initiative.
The humanitarian effort drew inspiration from the teachings of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, whose philosophy emphasises equality, compassion and selfless service to humanity.
My inspiration is rooted in the timeless wisdom of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who taught us that the greatest worship is the service of mankind,” Singh tells WE News English.
“The concept of Langar is a community kitchen where free meals are served to everyone regardless of religion, caste, gender or social status. Similarly, Vand Ke Chako means sharing what you have with others; it encourages earning honestly while distributing food, wealth and resources to those in need.
Sharing your blessings with the needy is the foundation of our work. Every religion, at its core, carries the message of humanity,” he adds.
Legacy of coexistence
Historically, Sikh–Muslim relations in Buner have been marked by profound harmony and mutual respect. Both communities have long described their relationship as one standing by each other through thick and thin, actively participating in each other’s weddings, funerals, and social gatherings.
There has never been any notable religious discrimination or conflict between them; instead, both sides have traditionally treated one another as equals.
Community members recall that when one group faces hardship, the other steps forward to offer support, reflecting a deep-rooted tradition of coexistence and social solidarity.
Muslims in the area have also historically lent a helping hand during Sikh religious and cultural events, helping accommodate visitors and contributing to an environment where Sikh festivals are observed peacefully. This long-standing pattern of mutual assistance has helped preserve intercommunal trust across generations.
According to Singh, more than 100 Sikh families reside in Buner, forming a small but active community that contributes significantly to local social welfare initiatives.
A sense of brotherhood
Anwar Zeb, a 30-year-old resident of Buner, notes that attending the Iftar organised by the Sikh community evoked a strong sense of unity and respect.
He remarked that it showed that humanity and kindness know no bounds and transcend religious differences.
Sitting together with people from different faiths and breaking the fast created a feeling of brotherhood and mutual understanding.
According to Zeb, such gatherings send a powerful message of peace, tolerance, and coexistence, especially in a society where different communities may sometimes have limited interaction. He deeply appreciates the spirit of volunteerism and hospitality he witnessed during the event.
Expanding the reach
Singh’s journey into social welfare began in 2019. In 2022, he established the Baba Nanak Food Foundation, a non-governmental organisation through which he and his family conduct Iftar services, ration drives, and provide assistance for families in need, including support during weddings and emergencies.
Over time, the project has grown by leaps and bounds, expanding from small food drives to large-scale community welfare activities. Volunteers now coordinate daily Iftar gatherings during Ramadan and provide ration packages to families struggling to make ends meet.
Local youth groups have also joined forces with the effort. Volunteers from Helping Youth Pakistan and Fixit Buner help manage logistics, food preparation and distribution.
“It is a beautiful sight to see people from all walks of life sitting together. Last year our Iftars served more than 500 people daily, creating a strong sense of community and belonging.”
The spirit of generosity continues beyond Ramadan as well. On the occasion of Eid, the volunteers also distribute gifts to Muslim children, adding to the festive atmosphere and strengthening ties. To ensure assistance reaches those who need it most, volunteers conduct grassroots surveys and maintain records of families requiring support.
“We personally identify families who are struggling and maintain a database so that help reaches the right people. Whether it is a medical emergency, a family unable to afford a wedding, or a household without basic food, we try to resolve the problem completely. We believe in dignity and transparency,” Singh explains.
The volunteers have also risen to the occasion during times of crisis. After devastating floods hit Buner in 2025, members of the group, including Gagan Singh, spent several months helping to rebuild a local mosque damaged by the disaster. For many residents, the initiative reflects a broader message about coexistence in Pakistan.
“My Muslim brothers appreciate our efforts with open hearts. They do not see me only as a Sikh; they treat me as a brother working for the betterment of our shared home.”
As people gather each evening to share a meal, the Iftar tables in Buner offer more than food. They represent a moment where faith, culture and community meet and where acts of kindness quietly challenge divisions.
Humanity comes first. Religions are meant to build bridges, not walls,” Singh maintains.
He hopes the initiative will encourage others across Pakistan to support those in need.
