COAS lauds role of Christians in national development

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa (COAS) hosted a banquet dinner in the honour of leading Christian clergy in Pakistan. The dinner was attended, among others, by His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Coutts and Right Reverend Humphrey Sarfraz Peter.

COAS Gen Qamar regarded the appointment of Cardinal Coutts as a great national honour and a milestone towards fostering national harmony and accord. He lauded contributions of Pakistani Christians in national development including promotion of quality education, healthcare and philanthropic services, making special mention of the outstanding role played by a number of minority members in the defence of the motherland.

He also expressed deep respect for the community and stressed upon the need for promoting greater interfaith harmony in society in order to march toward Quaid's true vision of a united and progressive Pakistan.

In their notes of gratitude, Cardinal Coutts and Reverend Peter appreciated the Army Chief’s gesture as an inspiration for Pakistani minorities to take greater part in nation building and in restoring their faith in a cohesive and tolerant society.

Other eminent dignitaries present on the occasion included Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw, Archbishop Joseph Arshad, Bishop Benny Marlo Travas and Father Sohail Patrick. Church of Pakistan was represented by Right Reverend Irfan Jamil, Right Reverend Roderick Leo Paul, Right Reverend John Samuel, Right Reverend Alvin Samuel, Bishop Manoo Romal Shah, Reverend Maqsood Kamil and Reverend Nadeem Kamil. Senator John Kenneth Williams and a few serving and retired army officers from the Christian community also attended the gathering which ended in prayers for national unity and prosperity.