President Mamnoon Hussain has extended his greeting to Christian brethren all over the world, and in particular to those living in Pakistan on the occasion of Christmas, being celebrated today (Friday).
In his message on the occasion, the president said, “On the auspicious occasion of Christmas, I extend my heartiest greeting to our Christian brethren all over the world and in particular to those living in Pakistan.”
The message said that, Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, is an occasion to rejoice and celebrate. On this day, the world got a messiah who brought the message of love, peace, tolerance, and compassion for humanity.
It is time to re-dedicate ourselves to following the noble ideals of Jesus Christ and work individually as well as collectively for the betterment and welfare of humanity, and to contribute our share in making the world a safer place to live, the message said.
Jesus Christ guided people to virtuous living and urged them to seek divine mercy from God. We, as Muslims, deeply revere Jesus Christ as one of the great messengers of Allah Almighty, Mamnoon’s message said.
His teachings and message of love and peace is as relevant to us as it is to our Christian brethren. Indeed, his message of love, compassion, and sacrifice is relevant to the entire humanity, it said.
“On this occasion, I would also like to acknowledge and appreciate the valuable contribution made by our Christian brethren in Pakistan in all fields. The nation is proud of their great contributions in the development of the country and deeply admires their loyalty to the state and commitment to obedience to the law. I have no doubt that they will continue to play their positive role for peace, progress, and prosperity of Pakistan,” he said.
“The equality of all citizens of the state has been enshrined in our Constitution which had also been made abundantly clear by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947. I would like to reiterate that the Government of Pakistan would continue making every possible effort for the welfare and betterment of minorities,” he said.
“The present democratic government is committed to pursue policies that are aimed at creating greater harmony and cohesion among people of different faiths. Let me reiterate that we would continue our efforts to fight religious intolerance. Let it also be made clear that we will not permit the persecution of members of other faiths in the name of religion,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said that the present government would continue to safeguard the rights and privileges, enjoyed by all minorities.
“Being the equal citizens of the state, the government will empower them to use their abilities for national development, progress, and prosperity. Our policies are geared towards creating harmony and cohesion amongst people of all faiths,” the prime minister said in his message on Christmas, which is being celebrated across the world on Friday.
He expressed confidence that Christian brethren would continue to play their due role in the development of Pakistan with complete dedication.
On the joyous day of Christmas, the prime minister also said Merry Christmas to the Christian brethren in Pakistan, and all over the world.
He said the Jesus Christ was sent to this world as a symbol of peace, brotherhood, and respect for the entire humanity. He not only healed the ailing humanity but also preached divine values of tolerance, love, and compassion, he added.
The prime minister said that Christmas was a time for celebration and rejoicing for Christians all over the world.
“It is also time to reflect on the messages and teachings of Jesus Christ; the message of love, peace, tolerance and compassion for humanity. It is time of re-dedication to his teachings and to seek forgiveness for one’s sins. We, as Muslims deeply revere Jesus Christ as one of the great messengers of Allah Almighty,” he said.
Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan’s Constitution enshrined Quaid-e-Azam’s vision and safeguarded the legitimate interests of all minorities living in the country.
The Quaid had, right from the first day of creation of Pakistan, unequivocally declared a policy of equality, freedom and security for all communities living in Pakistan irrespective of their religion, profession or ethnic origin, the prime minister remarked.
