ISLAMABAD:
The country’s civil and military leaders on Wednesday declared in unequivocal terms that Pakistan belonged to all the people and that the nation’s core development agenda was based on safeguarding the rights of minority communities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir celebrated Christmas with members of the Christian community, underlining the spirit of inclusivity and harmony, according to separate statements issued by the Office of the Prime Minister and Public Relations Interservices (ISPR).
Shehbaz organized a ceremony at the Prime Minister House. On the occasion, Shehbaz congratulated the Christian community of the country and the world on Christmas. He said the day required the nation to join forces for the betterment of humanity.
He said that the Holy Quran had a revered mention of Prophet Isa (PBUH) and Hazrat Maryam (PBUH). However, he added, today the Prophet’s birthplace was soaked in blood as thousands of Palestinians, including children, youth, the elderly and women, had been killed there.
“All Christians and Muslims should unite and join forces to stop this bloodshed and defend the peace mission of Jesus Christ in the holy land of Palestine,” the prime minister said. He recognized the indelible contributions of the Christian community to the independence and progress of the country.
“Cecil Chaudhary and Judge 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 vital role in grooming their personalities.
“We must promote unity, interfaith harmony and tolerance in the society to ensure protection of the rights of minorities and ensure that they are considered respected members of the society,” Shehbaz said. “Pakistan belongs to everyone.”
The Prime Minister urged the nation to celebrate this day as a most revered occasion because it was also the birthday anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He cited Quaid’s saying that “the protection and promotion of minority rights has been our top priority.”
Earlier, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said he represented 70,000 Christian voters, who supported him with great love and respect in his electoral effort, including bishops of various churches.
On the occasion, members of the Christian community and others joined the Prime Minister in cutting the Christmas cake to begin the celebrations, which was followed by a group photo with choir singers who gave a colorful performance at the beginning of the event.
COAS visits cathedral
Army Chief General Asim Munir joined the Christian community to celebrate Christmas during the visit to the Catholic Cathedral Church of St. Joseph, where the congregation gave him a warm welcome expressing their gratitude for his presence and solidarity in this precious chance.
General Asim Munir conveyed his sincere greetings to the Christian community across the country. He noted that Christmas served as “a profound reminder of the universal values of compassion, generosity and goodwill, principles that unite our diverse society.”
He further recognized the notable contributions of minorities, including the Christian community, to the cultural, social, economic and national progress of Pakistan, which remained a source of pride and strength for the nation.
On the occasion, General Asim Munir paid solemn tribute to the founder of the nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He highlighted that 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 model for nation-building. .
The COAS highlighted that Quaid-i-Azam’s enduring commitment to “the ideals of freedom, equality and religious tolerance continue 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 and prosperous nation envisioned by Quaid,” the COAS said, according to the ISPR press release. He urged all citizens to work tirelessly to achieve this shared aspiration.
(WITH INPUT FROM THE APP)
