Karachi journalists give "thumbs up".

Two visiting Pakistani journalists have given World Youth Day a huge “thumbs up”, rating the organisation of events and hospitality as “first-class”.

Julius Nadeem Gill (editor) and Zahid Hussain (sub-editor), who covered the event for Agahi, a weekly newspaper published by the Catholic archdiocese of Karachi, say being able to witness events such as the Opening and Final Mass, and Stations of the Cross was a “fantastic experience”.

We came as pilgrims and having that faith all around you from youth all over the world was inspiring,” said Zahid, who is a Muslim.

I was impressed by the planning, the helpful nature of the volunteers and the hospitality of Sydneysiders.

Our Homestay hosts were so generous towards us and made our first visit to Sydney all the more memorable.

He added: Being a pilgrim at World Youth Day, I felt like I was part of a global village.

I think World Youth Day was a great platform for interfaith dialogue.

Zahid met Julius while the two were at university studying communications.

He agreed to help his Catholic friend when Julius was appointed editor of the paper.

Julius added: Being a Catholic and seeing the Pope for the first time made me feel like I was part of a global Catholic community.

I really enjoyed meeting so many people who share my faith. Being at World Youth Day has definitely strengthened my faith.

There are more than three million Catholics in Pakistan among a population of 160 million.

Julius said faith is strong among Christians in Pakistan.

Pakistan has a long history of Christianity; people attend church in great numbers on Sundays and on weekdays - he said.


DAMIR GOVORCIN, The Catholic Weekly