Quaid-e-Azam’s personality a beacon of light for all of us: Buzdar

Christian lauds government for celebrating Christmas at national level


Our Correspondent December 26, 2018
Visitors take keen interest in paintings displayed at Faisalabad Arts Council in connection with Quaid-e-Azam's birth anniversary. PHOTO: APP

LAHORE: The 142nd birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was celebrated with traditional national fervour across the country.

The day began with special prayers in mosques for peace and prosperity of the country. Various competitions, exhibitions and seminars were held across Punjab to commemorate the birthday of the founder of Pakistan.

In his message on the day, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said the personality of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the freedom movement was a beacon of light for all of us. Under his dynamic leadership, the dream of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent was materialised.

“The establishment of a peaceful society based on tolerance, harmony and affection was the dream of the founder of the nation and we are living as an independent nation due to the hard work and struggle of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” Buzdar said. “Quaid-e-Azam was a man of principles as well as a statesman and courageous leader whose leadership is a role model for us. Transforming the country into same Pakistan for both the rich and the poor is a commitment of Prime Minister Imran Khan and he is striving for materialising the dream of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.”

The chief minister said sayings of the founder of the nation were a beacon of light and harbinger of prosperity of the country. Pakistan can get rid of crises by following the sayings of the founder of the nation, he added. In fact, Pakistan can be made a true Islamic welfare state by following the golden principles of Quaid-e-Azam.

“We will have to move forward by promoting the national agenda in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam so that Pakistan could achieve its lost glory,” he remarked.

“By the Grace of Allah Almighty, Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam will be materialised under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan and everyone will have equal access to socio-economic justice,” the CM said. “The dream of making Pakistan a true welfare Islamic state will also be fulfilled in the tenure of Prime Minister Imran Khan. We will utilise all our energies to achieve this goal. We should also make a commitment on this day to follow the vision of Quaid-e-Azam for the bright future of the country,” he underlined.

The Christian community throughout the country celebrated Christmas, to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. The day began with the ceremonies and congregations in churches amid beefed up security and prayers for the country's sovereignty and prosperity.

The cake-cutting ceremonies were also organised to celebrate joys of Christmas. The Christian neighbourhoods and churches were decorated with colourful lights. Special Christmas trees were also prepared with twinkling lights and stars, and baubles such as bells, pinecones, apples, candies, tinsel and balloons.

Security was ramped up at churches across provincial capital. Police contingents have been deployed to protect churchgoers over Christmas.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar also congratulated the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas. He said that the promotion of brotherhood, tolerance, harmony, love and affection is the essence of the teachings of Jesus.

In his message, Punjab Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Aijaz Alam Augustine said the chief minister had announced a grant of Rs30 million on the occasion of Christmas and Rs25 million for the scholarship of minority students across the province.

“The Christmas festival teaches us unity, peace and love amongst ourselves and our all minorities are fully protected and safeguarded in the country. Our minorities have played a pivotal role in the Pakistan movement and the country was come into being through the decisive vote of the minorities.”

Augustine, on the behalf of Christian Community all over Pakistan, thanked Prime Minister Imran Khan for the celebration of Christmas at the national level for the first time in the history of Pakistan. The minister also thanked the Punjab CM for announcing special grant on the eve of Christmas for the Christian community.

Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Fayazul Hassan Chohan said under the direction of Prime Minister Imran Khan, very first time in the history of the country, the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ was being celebrated at the national level to express solidarity with the minorities.

“Every citizen has equal rights as enshrined in the constitution of Pakistan irrespective of colour, creed and ethnicity. The Punjab government is promoting a true image of the country in which all citizens would have equal rights,” he added.

The minister was addressing a cake-cutting ceremony held in connection with Christmas at DGPR office on Tuesday which was attended by Christian employees in large number. He said the provincial government was making all-out efforts to remove the sense of deprivation and alienation amongst minorities and driving them towards national mainstream.

 

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