The Pakistan Embassy and a Virginia-based community organisation held a Christmas dinner to acknowledge the important role played by Christian brothers and sisters in the national development of their motherland.
A large number of participants including faith leaders, families of Pakistani American Christian community, officials of various U.S. government departments and American public attended. Virginia State Senator Mrs Barbara Favola was the chief guest on the occasion. “All Neighbors” was the co-host local organisation.
Religious leaders from different churches offered prayers on the occasion and expressed warms wishes of the Christian community for the people of Pakistan. A group of young children presented a cultural performance at the event, to the amusement of the audience.
Some participants narrated their positive impressions of the land and the people from their recent visits to Pakistan. The organisers and participants of the event profusely thanked the Pakistan Embassy for this initiative.
The Deputy Chief of Mission, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh conveyed felicitations and good wishes to the participants and their families on the festive occasion.
He highlighted the sentiments of good will and harmony from the people of Pakistan to their fellow Christian community members in Pakistan and abroad. He emphasised that the people in Pakistan respected the religious and cultural traditions of all minorities living in Pakistan and joined in their celebrations. He informed the audience on Pakistan’s role in promoting interfaith harmony at international level.
Acknowledging the important role played by Christian brothers and sisters in the national development of Pakistan, he said that they were equal citizens protected by the constitution. He added that the event marked a beginning and the Embassy would continue to open its door for such events in future.
