‘Christmas teaches lesson of unity, peace and love’

The minister cut Christmas cake and congratulated the Christian employees

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Fayazul Hassan Chohan has said the Christian community has played a pivotal role in the Pakistan Movement and their festival teaches the lesson of unity, peace and love.

The minister assured that the minorities’ festivals would be fully safeguarded and protected like Muslims’ festivals.

The information minister expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held in connection with Christmas by Alhamra Arts Council on Saturday. The ceremony was held to express solidarity with Christian employees. Lahore Arts Council executive director and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

The minister along with Lahore Arts Council executive director cut Christmas cake and congratulated the employees on the eve of their religious festival. Lahore Arts Council executive director informed the minister that Christian employees of the council have given with the salary in advance with a special bonus.

Later, Chohan attended a Christmas event held by the University of Lahore and expressed gratitude to the management for inviting him on that event. The minister paid rich tributes to the university for rendering their valuable services in education and research.

“Our Christian brothers have supported the PTI’s mission envisioned by Imran Khan who is striving for removing the sense of deprivation and alienation amongst minorities,” Chohan said. The minister was informed that a large number of foreign students as well as local students were studying at the university.

Earlier, the minister also attended a function held by Iranian Khana-e-Farhang in the honour of Persian teachers and other experts. Iranian Consul-General Reza Naziri, Iranian Consul-General Director General Rezai Fard, Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Speaker Haji Fida Muhammad Nashad and a large number of Persian teachers were also present on the occasion.