Zardari’s felicitates Christians

President Asif Ali Zardari has felicitated the Christian community on the eve of Christmas.
In his message, the President said “on the auspicious occasion of Christmas, I extend heartiest greetings to our Christian brethren all over the world and in particular to those living in Pakistan.
Christmas is a time for celebration and rejoicing. It is also a time to reflect on the message of Jesus Christ (May Allah be pleased with him), the eternal message of love, peace and forgiveness. It is time of rededication to his teachings and to seek forgiveness for sins.
We as Muslims deeply revere Jesus Christ as one of the great messengers of Allah Almighty. His universal message of love and peace transcending race, color and geographical boundaries holds great promise in today’s world that has increasingly become bereft of tolerance, harmony and peace.
On this occasion I also wish to acknowledge and appreciate the great contributions made by our Christian brethren in Pakistan in all fields of endeavour. The nation is proud of their great contributions to the development of the country and deeply admires their loyalty to the state and commitment to abide by the law. I have no doubt that they will continue to play their positive role for peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
The equality of all citizens of the state has been enshrined in our Constitution. The Quaid-e-Azam made it abundantly clear in his address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947.
The democratic Government of Pakistan is committed to pursue policies that are aimed at creating greater harmony and cohesion between people of different faiths. I wish to reiterate that we will continue to fight religious apartheid. Let it also be made clear that we will not permit the persecution of members of other faiths in the name of religion nor permit their hounding by misuse of laws and abuse of judicial processes.