The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU)’s Christian employees celebrated Christmas Day by lighting candles and observing a one-minute silence over the recent Peshawar tragedy to show solidarity with the bereaved families and to extend their support to the civilian and armed forces fighting terrorism.
The ceremony was arranged by the Employees Welfare Association (EWA) in collaboration with the AIOU’s administration.
The candlelight vigil was held at the varsity’s main campus in connection with Christmas Day. A Christmas cake was also cut on the occasion. Special prayers were also offered for solidarity and prosperity of the country.
The Christian employees expressed their solidarity with the victims and for courage for the bereaved families to bear with the irreparable loss.
AIOU Vice Chancellor Shahid Siddiqui lauded the Christian community’s commitment to the national cause. He hoped that national unity will help to get rid of the terrorist activities. Underlining the need of upholding rule of law, he called for showing tolerance, self-restraint, brotherhood, love and forgiveness, adding that these were equally important in all religions.
