Shehbaz says Christmas conveys a universal message of love, peace, tolerance and goodwill for all mankind
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have sent warm greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world on the occasion of Christmas.
In his message, the Prime Minister said that Christmas conveys a universal message of love, peace, tolerance and goodwill for all mankind. He prayed that the birthday of Hazrat Isa (AS) would bring peace, stability and prosperity to the Christian community and the country.
The Prime Minister said that Hazrat Isa (AS) has a revered status in Islam as a great prophet of Allah who preached peace, brotherhood, compassion and righteous living.
In their separate messages, they said Christmas is a time of hope, peace and compassion, reminding us of the deep bonds that unite all people.
The President and Prime Minister paid tribute to the contributions of Christian citizens of Pakistan in politics, national defence, education, literature, art, music, healthcare, social welfare and public service.
They reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure interfaith harmony, protection of rights and freedoms, economic welfare and equal opportunities for all citizens without any discrimination on the basis of religion, race or ethnicity.
The Christian community in Pakistan celebrates Christmas today like other places in the world.
Special programs and services have been organized in churches across the country to celebrate the festival. All churches have been decorated with colorful lights and illuminated Christmas trees.
The living quarters of the Christian community have been decorated with twinkling lights and stars.
