The Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Revd David Smith, will lead a joint Christian-Muslim visit to Pakistan next month (October 12-27).

Travelling with the Anglican Bishop will be Ishtiaq Ahmed, Information Officer for the Bradford Council of Mosques and Director of the Racial Equality Council in Bradford.

The visit springs from an excellent recent history of cooperation between Christian and Muslim leaders in Bradford. This was particularly evident when both leaderships condemned the destruction of the Christian town of Shanti Nagar in mob violence last February when they wrote jointly to the Acting High Commissioner for Pakistan.

The Christian-Muslim party plans to visit Shanti Nagar and see for themselves the rebuilding of both the town and community life. It is understood that Pakistan government officials will be keen to show the Bishop how committed they are to repair work following the Bradford expressions of concern.

"We would like our visit to offer support to the Government of Pakistan and human rights organisations and reinforce the many existing links that build mutual understanding," said the Bishop. "Ishtiaq and myself will also be very willing to share the experience of how Christians and Muslims have worked together in Bradford."

The party will also travel to Islamabad, Multan, Mirpur and Lahore. Visiting Mirpur will give the Bishop first-hand insight into the region of Pakistan from which many of Bradford's citizens originate.

"I am grateful for the many suggestions about this visit made to me by members of the Pakistani community both Muslim and Christian and I am looking forward to seeing how Christian and Muslim communities co-operate together in Pakistan," said Bishop David.

Ishtiaq Ahmed said: "I am looking forward to joining the Bishop on this visit. His decision to go to Pakistan speaks volumes for the strength of the Muslim-Christian relationship in Bradford, and I am certain that the visit will help to encourage and consolidate dialogue and co-operation between the two communities in Pakistan."

Bishop David said:"Whatever out religious differences, which are by no means trivial, both Ishtiaq and I belong to traditions which emphasise justice, compassion and peace."

"I believe the exchange of personnel and experience across the Christian-Muslim world is of paramount importance."