PM, COAS partake of Xmas festivities

ISLAMABAD:

The civil and military leadership of the country on Wednesday declared in unequivocal terms on Wednesday that Pakistan belonged to all the people, and the nation's core development agenda relied on safeguarding the rights of the minority communities.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir celebrated Christmas with the Christian community members, underscoring the spirit of inclusivity and harmony, according to separate statements issued by the Prime Minister's Office and the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Shehbaz hosted a ceremony at the Prime Minister House. Speaking on the occasion, Shehbaz felicitated the Christian community in the country and the world on Christmas. He said that the day demanded of the nation to join its forces for the betterment of mankind.

He said that the Holy Quran had a revered mention of Prophet Isa (PBUH) and Hazrat Maryam (PBUH). However, he added, today, the birthplace of the Prophet was soaked in blood as thousands of Palestinians, including children, youth, elderly and women, had been killed there.

"All Christians and Muslims should unite and join forces to stop this bloodshed and uphold the mission of peace of Jesus Christ in Palestine's holy land," the prime minister said. He acknowledged the Christian community's indelible contributions in the country's independence and progress.

"Cecil Chaudhary and Justice Cornelius are known to everyone," he said. Shehbaz noted that he and his elder brother former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had graduated from missionary schools whose teachers played a critical role in grooming their personalities.

"We should promote unity, interfaith harmony and tolerance in the society to ensure protection of the rights of the minorities and ensure that they consider themselves as a respected member of the society," Shehbaz said. "Pakistan belongs to all."

The prime minister urged the nation to celebrate this day as a more revered occasion because it was also the birthday anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He quoted the Quaid's saying that "Protection and promotion of minorities rights has been our top priority".

Earlier, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that he was representing 70,000 Christian constituents, who supported him with great love and respect in his electoral effort including bishops of various churches.

On the occasion, members of Christian community and others joined the prime minister in cutting Christmas cake to commence the celebrations which was followed by a group photo with chorus singers who rendered a colourful performance at the start of the event.

COAS visits cathedral

Army Chief Gen Asim Munir joined the Christian community in celebrating Christmas during visit to St Joseph's Catholic Cathedral Church, where the congregation extended a warm welcome to him by expressing gratitude for his presence and solidarity on this cherished occasion.

Gen Asim Munir conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the Christian community across the nation. He emphasised that Christmas served as "a profound reminder of the universal values of compassion, generosity, and goodwill - principles that bind our diverse society together".

He further acknowledged the remarkable contributions of minorities, including the Christian community to Pakistan's cultural, social, economic and national progress, which remained a source of pride and strength for the nation.

On the occasion, Gen Asim Munir paid a solemn tribute to the founder of the nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He highlighted that the Quaid's visionary leadership, unwavering determination, and steadfast adherence to the principles of "Faith, Unity and Discipline" not only paved the way for the creation of Pakistan but also provided a timeless blueprint for nation-building.

The COAS remarked that Quaid-i-Azam's enduring commitment to "the ideals of freedom, equality, and religious tolerance continues to inspire and guide the nation in addressing contemporary challenges", from safeguarding territorial integrity to fostering internal stability.

"As we commemorate this festive season, let us reaffirm our collective resolve to transform Pakistan into the peaceful, prosperous nation envisioned by the Quaid," the COAS said, according to the ISPR news release. He urged all citizens to work tirelessly toward achieving this shared aspiration.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)