ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said the country’s fundamental agenda of development and prosperity hinges upon the protection of the rights of Christian community and other minorities.
Addressing an event held in connection with Christmas celebrations here at the PM House, he extended cordial felicitations to the Christian community in the country and the world.
PM Shehbaz Sharif 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 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 PM urged.
He acknowledged that the Christian community rendered indelible contributions in 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 Mian Muhammad 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 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,” Shehbaz Sharif said.
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 is the basic point of our fundamental agenda. I extend you the felicitations of Christmas and ensure that your protection, security and prosperity is not only dear to us but our responsibility.” He reiterated that he as the prime minister assured the Christian community of upholding that right with greater responsibility.
Earlier, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar said he was representing 70,000 Christian constituents who supported him with great love and respect in his electoral effort, including bishops of various churches.
“Christians have great role in independence, nation building and sacrifices for the motherland. PM Shehbaz Sharif during his tenure as chief minister Punjab awarded scholarships and laptops and endowment stipends to Christian students on merit without any discrimination,” he said. Christian athletes, the Sohail sisters had won 22 medals in different games whereas Brigadier Helen Merry Roberts, the first female Christian army officer, were recognition of their services for the motherland, he said.
Members of Christian Community along with federal ministers and members of the National Assembly joined the prime minister to cut a Christmas cake to commence the celebrations which was followed by a group photo with chorus singers who rendered a colorful performance at the start of the event.
Meanwhile, General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), joined the Christian community in celebrating Christmas at the St Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral Church, Rawalpindi, underscoring the spirit of inclusivity and harmony. The congregation extended a warm welcome to the COAS, expressing gratitude for his presence and solidarity during this cherished occasion.
On the festive day, the COAS conveyed his heartfelt Christmas greetings to the Christian community across the nation. He emphasized that Christmas serves 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 and Christian community to Pakistan’s cultural, social, economic and national progress, which remain a source of pride and strength for the nation.
During the occasion, General Asim Munir also paid a solemn tribute to the founder of the nation, Quaid-e-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-e-Azam’s enduring commitment to the ideals of freedom, equality, and religion 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 concluded, urging all citizens to work tirelessly towards achieving this shared aspiration.
Meanwhile, the Corps Commander, Lahore, highlighted the importance of interfaith harmony and unity as the foundation of a strong Pakistan. He commended the Christian community for its remarkable contributions to the nation’s defence and development. The Bishop of Lahore appreciated the efforts of the Punjab government and the Pakistan Army in restoring and renovating the church.