PM, ministers felicitate Christian community on Christmas

ISLAMABAD:

The Christian community of Pakistan is celebrating Christmas across the country today, alongside other Christians across the globe.

Special services were held in churches and prayers were offered for peace, progress and the prosperity of Pakistan.

President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan in their separate messages, while congratulating the Christian community, have assured them that the government will continue to safeguard the rights and privileges of all minorities living in the country.

They also commended sincere and invaluable services rendered by the Christian community in the fields of defence, education, health as well as economic development of the country.

They emphasised that the government would empower the minorities to use their abilities for national development.

Prime Minister Imran Khan felicitated the Christian community around the world on the auspicious occasion of Christmas.

In a statement, the premier said, “On the auspicious occasion of Christmas, I on my behalf and on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan extend heartfelt congratulations to the Christian community around the world and especially in Pakistan for celebrating the festival of Christmas with devotion and respect.”

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“The festivities of Christmas teach us universal love, brotherhood, tolerance and self-sacrifice which plays a pivotal role in moving any society on the path of development,” the premier added.

“The birth of Prophet Jesus is considered a symbol of peace, brotherhood, tolerance and respect for the entire humanity throughout the world. He not only healed the ailing humanity but preached the divine values of tolerance, love and compassion. He guided people towards virtuous living and urged them to seek divine mercy. As a divine messenger, Prophet Jesus’ teachings are for adherents of all religions.”

PM Imran further stated that the sincere and invaluable services rendered by the Christian community in the fields of defence, education, health as well as economic development of the country had always been commendable.

“Being equal citizens of the state, the government will empower them to use their abilities for national development. Our policies are geared towards creating harmony and cohesion between people of all faiths,” he maintained.

PM Imran said, “Our government is doing its utmost duty to bring you into the national mainstream so that you can play your role as active citizens in the society in a positive way and help this country move on the path of development.”

According to the premier, Pakistan’s constitution enshrined Quaid-e-Azam’s vision and safeguarded the legitimate interests of minorities, adding that the Quaid had assured religious freedom and security for all communities irrespective of their religion, profession and ethnic origin.

He emphasised that the government of Pakistan held sacrosanct the equality and freedom of conscience of all citizens irrespective of belief, creed or religion.

The present government will continue to safeguard the rights and privileges enjoyed by all minorities, he said.

“We are committed to building a society that respects difference and finds strength in diversity; a nation that is tolerant and cohesive; and a state that provides equal rights and opportunities to all citizens,” PM Imran concluded.

The premier also took to his official Twitter handle to wish the community a happy Christmas.

 

Moreover, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said that protecting the rights of minorities in Pakistan was the "topmost" priority of the incumbent PTI government.

In a message, he also congratulated the Christian community on Christmas and said that the entire nation shared this happy occasion.

The minister stated that the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed the rights of minorities.

Fawad further added that Christian citizens have played a vital role in the country’s development and prosperity.

“The services of the Christian community in education, health and other areas of life are commendable,” he maintained.

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Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar and Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mizari also felicitated the community.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)