PM, COAS extend Christmas greetings to Christian community
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday conveyed Christmas greetings to the Christian community across the country.
Christmas is being observed nationwide with great enthusiasm and heartfelt devotion, showcasing the vibrant culture of the country’s Christian community. Prayer services are being conducted across various cities, bringing together worshippers to offer sincere prayers for the peace, security, and progress of the country.
Addressing an event held in connection with Christmas celebrations here at the PM House, PM Shehbaz said the country’s fundamental agenda of development and prosperity hinges upon the protection of the rights of the Christian community and other minorities.
He underscored that the day demanded the nation to join its forces for the betterment of mankind. “The Holy Quran has a revered mention of Prophet Jesus Christ (PBUH) and Hazrat Maryam (PBUH). Today, the birthplace of Prophet Jesus Christ is tainted in a bloodbath and thousands of Palestinians including children, youth, elderly and women have been killed.”
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 premier added.
He acknowledged that the Christian community rendered indelible contributions to the independence, betterment of the nation’s education, defence, and protection of the motherland in different wars that would be remembered in golden words, adding, “Cecil Chaudhary and Justice Cornelius are known to everyone.”
PM Shehbaz noted that he and his elder brother Nawaz Sharif had also 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 the protection of the rights of the minorities and ensure that they consider themselves as a respected member of the society. Pakistan belongs to all and we should celebrate this day as a more revered occasion as it is the birthday of Jesus Christ, and Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as well,” said the premier.
The prime minister quoted Quaid-e-Azam’s statement saying, “Protection and promotion of minorities rights has been our top priority. You all are the proud citizens of Pakistan. Your equal development and progress are the basic points of our fundamental agenda. I extend you the felicitations of Christmas and ensure that your protection, security and prosperity are not only dear to us but our responsibility.”
He reiterated that he as prime minister ensured the Christian community to uphold that right with greater responsibility.
