‘Govt striving for interfaith harmony’

President, PM greet Christians on Christmas

ISLAMABAD: In their separate messages on the occasion of Christmas, President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that the present democratic government was striving to promote interfaith harmony amongst all religions and discourage discrimination on the basis of religion.

President Mamnoon Hussain said that the role of Christian community in the progress and prosperity of the country was unforgettable and their patriotism was appreciated.

“We believe that Christian community will continue to play a vibrant role in the progress and prosperity of their motherland,” the president said. 

The president extended heartiest greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and all over the world on this joyous occasion on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan.

He said the Christmas festival was not only a day to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth but also to follow His teachings of love, peace and tolerance.

“It is our responsibility to disseminate his universal message to make the world a heaven of peace,” he added.

The president said, “Jesus Christ is equally revered by both the Christians and Muslims and is regarded as the chosen messenger of Allah Almighty.”

“We believe that his teachings are a beacon of light not only for Christian community but also for the whole humanity,” he said.

In his Christmas message, the prime minister said, “On the auspicious occasion of Christmas, I extend my heartiest felicitations and wish Merry Christmas to our Christian brethren in Pakistan and all over the world.”

The prime minister said, “This day reminds us of the values that Jesus Christ lived in his own life. He not only healed the ailing humanity but preached the divine values of tolerance, love and compassion. Christmas is a time for celebration with family and friends, warmth and cheerful moments.

It is also a time to reflect on the message of Jesus Christ, the eternal massage of love, peace, tolerance and compassion for humanity. It is time of re-dedication to his teachings and to seek forgiveness for sins. We, as Muslims deeply revere Jesus Christ as one of the great messengers of Allah Almighty.” 

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said, ‘Constitution of Pakistan enshrines the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and safeguards the legitimate interests of minorities.

The Quaid had, right from the first day of creation of Pakistan unequivocally declared a policy of equality, freedom and security for all communities living in Pakistan irrespective of their religion, profession or ethnic origin. 

Prime Minister Nawaz said that the government was dedicated to preserve the sanctity of existence and equality of opportunities enjoyed by all Pakistanis including minorities. “My government treats all minority members as equal citizens of Pakistan and undertakes to empower them to use their abilities socially, economically and politically for national development.

“I am immensely happy to note that minorities in Pakistan are actively contributing to the development and prosperity of the country without any hindrance including serving in the armed forces of Pakistan. This reflects the communal harmony and profound cohesion among all faiths practiced across the length and breadth of the country. This is the spirit that binds us together coming together as one family to celebrate our blessings and the values we hold dear.” 

He said, “On this happy day, I wish to acknowledge the diverse and productive role being played by all the minorities living in Pakistan; particularly the Christian community for the socio-economic development of the country in general and in the fields of health and education in particular. I greatly appreciate their patriotism, devoted service and sincere attachment to the country and am confident that they will continue to play their due role for peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan with complete dedication.”