Shehbaz says Christmas conveys a universal message of love, peace, tolerance and goodwill for all humanity
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have extended their sincere greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world on the occasion of Christmas.
In his message, the Prime Minister said that Christmas conveys a universal message of love, peace, tolerance and goodwill for all humanity. He prayed that the birth anniversary of Hazrat Isa (AS) would bring peace, stability and prosperity to the Christian community and the country.
The Prime Minister said that Hazrat Isa (AS) has a revered status in Islam as a great Prophet of Allah who preached peace, brotherhood, compassion and righteous living.
In their separate messages, they said Christmas is a time of hope, peace and compassion that reminds us of the deep ties that unite all people.
The President and the Prime Minister paid tribute to the contributions of Christian citizens of Pakistan in politics, national defence, education, literature, arts, music, healthcare, social welfare and public service.
They reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring interfaith harmony, the protection of rights and freedoms, economic well-being and equal opportunities for all citizens without any discrimination based on religion, race or ethnicity.
The Christian community in Pakistan celebrates Christmas today like the rest of the world.
Special programs and services have been organized in churches across the country to celebrate the festival. All the Churches have been decorated with colored lights and illuminated Christmas trees.
The residential areas of the Christian community have been decorated with twinkling lights and stars.
