Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP) Update Activity from September to December 2025

Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP) is organizing Theological Sessions for the laity on different themes. 

The details of the programs are below:

1. ONLINE SESSIONS: CONTEXTUAL THEOLOGY FOR LAITY- SEPTEMBER DECEMBER 2025

Contextual Theology for Laity-Online Sessions is a three-year project (2024-2026). Two evening sessions are conducted on Saturdays twice a month. The total registered members for the Online Sessions in 2025 are 65 from different cities of Pakistan and rom Overseas Australia, Dubai, California, USA, Kuwait. A total 6 online sessions is conducted from October to December 2025.

The following topics were presented by the speakers:

  • Feminist Leadership and Society – Ms. Naureen Akhtar.
  • Role and Ministry of Women in the Church – Mrs. Alishbah Javed Akhtar.
  • Bible in 100 weeks (vol-III) – Ms. Sana Iqbal.
  • 14 Stations of Joy of Blessed Virgin Mary – Ms. Sunita Hameed.
  • Sin and Love – Ms. Maria Goretti
  • Marriage – Sr. Robecca James FSP
  • The People of All Faiths: Inspiring teachings of Jesus Christ – Mr. Khurram Pervez

2. SEMINARS: CELEBRATION OF 1700 YEARS OF THE NICAEA COUNCIL

MAP celebrated 1700 years (325-2025) of this historic Nicene council, these seminars provide an opportunity to reflect on its enduring significance for the Church today. The sessions invited the people to rediscover the richness of the shared heritage, engage with the challenges of faith and unity in the modern world, and be inspired by the vision of

the early Church for truth, justice, hope and communion.

 

Maktaba -e -A naveem Pakistan MAP conducted a series of seminars to celebrate the 1700 years of the Nicaea Council. The details are as follow:

 

 

3. SEMINARS ON PILGRIMS OF HOPE

MAP provides opportunities to the laity for learning theological topics. MAP’s vision and mission is to empower laity in the church and society through education and formation. MAP took initiative to introduce the importance of The Jubilee Year 2025 to the laity. Fr. Emmanuel Asi and Mrs. Alishbah Javed Akhtar were the resource persons in these sessions.

 

4. BIBLE STUDY SESSION

Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP) in collaboration with the Apostolic Vicariate of Quetta, conducted a Bible Study session at Don Bosco Learning Center, A-1 City Brewery Road, Quetta. The theme of the Bible Study was “The Spirituality of Leadership”. The session was led by Fr. Emmanuel Asi. He shared his insights on Christian leadership and its spiritual foundations. Participants actively shared their views and engaged in a question-andanswer session, making the discussion more meaningful and enriching.

5. ECUMENICAL THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE

Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP) organized a two-day seminar in collaboration Theological Educators Forum -TEF on 10–11 November 2025 at Falettie’s Express Hotel, Shimla Hill, Lahore. The theme of the seminar was Ecumenical Theological DialogueThe two bibles’ studies were conducted each day by. Mrs. Alishbah Javeed Akhtar and Dr. Robert Wetmore

Thematic Presentations

The seminar featured four major thematic lectures:

1. History of Ecumenical Dialogue, Presenter: Fr. Emmanuel Asi.

2. Global Trends of Christianity, Presenter: Dr. Qasir Julius.

3. Exploring Common Theological Grounds, Presenter: Prof. Mushtaq Asad.

4. Emerging Theological Leaders in Theological Dialogue, Presenter: Dr. Keneth Pervaiz.

 

Workshops

 

Workshop 1: Women’s Contribution in Ecumenism, Facilitator: Rev. Dr. Khushnud Azariah.

Workshop 2: Contextual Realities and Social Dimensions of Salvation, Facilitator: Mr. Hamid Henry.

Workshop 3: Theology for Dialogue, Facilitator: Rev. Tariq Waris.

A total of 67 participants (49 male and 18 female) attended, representing 25 institutions across 15 cities of Pakistan. The dialogue strengthened ecumenical relationships and highlighted shared theological insights while respectfully addressing differences. Participants committed to continued collaboration, emphasized inclusivity through women’s active participation, and recommended integrating ecumenical approaches into theological education and community initiatives.

6. CONTEXTUAL BIBLE READING

Maktaba-e-Aanveem Pakistan (MAP) and Open Theological Seminary (OTS) conducted a two-day training session in collaboration on “Contextual Bible Reading” from 14–15 November 2025 at the Theological Institute for Laity (TIL). Mrs. Alishbah Javed Akhtar and Rev. Sharjeel Munawar explained the CBR methodology — See, Judge, Act —4 enabling participants to reflect deeply on Scripture and its relevance in today’s world. A number of 20 participants attended this training session. 

7. ROLE AND MINISTRY OF WOMEN IN THE CHURCH

MAP – Nawabshah Group conducted a seminar under the platform of the Women

Theological Forum (WTF) on 13 December 2025 at St. Francis Solanus Church, Nawabshah. The topic of the seminar was “Role and Ministry of Women in the Church”. The session began with an introduction to the WomenTheological Forum (WTF) by Mrs. Ishrat Khurram, followed by an introduction to Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP) by Ms. Saima Shoukat. Ms. Samina Riaz and Ms. Shazia Zahid was the speaker. Participants actively learned through interactive workshops and question-and-answer discussions, which enriched their understanding of the role and ministry of women in the Church. Mr. Khurram Shahzad Paid a vote of Thanks. A total number 75 participants the seminar.

8. NETWORKING

Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP) conducted an introductory session on 26th September at Bishop House, Quetta. Mrs. Alishbah Javed Akhtar presented the introduction of MAP, highlighting its vision and mission. Mr. Riaz David shared how to strengthen and serve the local group. Fr. Emmanuel Asi gave targets and valuable tips to participants. The participants expressed their appreciation for the services of MAP and acknowledged its valuable contributions.

9. THANKSGIVING GET-TO-GATHER

On 20th December 2025, Maktaba-e-Anaveem Pakistan (MAP) joyfully celebrated its Thanksgiving for the year 2025 and Christmas celebration. The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Fr. Faryad Ansar and co-celebrated by Fr. Emmanuel Asi.