President, PM vow to ensure progress of minorities

Zardari, Shehbaz felicitate Christian community on Easter

ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the country’s resolve on Sunday to ensure social uplift and integration of all the minorities in Pakistan, as they felicitated the Christians of Pakistan and around the world on the occasion of Easter.

The Christian community celebrated the Easter, in the country and across the globe with special prayer ceremonies in different Churches. The day started with special religious rituals, prayers and an exchange of greetings.

In their separate messages, the president and the prime minister stated that the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed rights to all religious communities. They lauded the immense contributions of the Christian community to its socio-economic development of Pakistan.

“Heartiest greetings to the Christian community of Pakistan and around the world, on the occasion of Easter,” the prime minister said in a message, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office Media Wing.

Shehbaz said Easter was an occasion to reinforce and reflect on the values of love, tolerance and forgiveness as espoused by Prophet Isa (AS) and was a reminder to emulate these in daily life to bring harmony and peace in today’s strife and conflict-ridden world.

“While we celebrate diversity of faiths as a source of strength and enrichment in our nation, let us join hands towards building a society that is tolerant and cohesive and together defeat the forces of discord that are trying to cause harm to the fabric of our society,” he added.

According to a separate statement issued by the President Secretariat Press Wing, Zardari said all the communities enjoyed religious, political, social and economic rights in Pakistan. He emphasised that Easter was an occasion that brought a message of hope, affection and prosperity.

“The Christian community is a precious asset for Pakistan,” he said, praising the Christian community for its contributions to the national progress. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the protection of the rights of all communities and ensuring steps for their prosperity.
APP