Shehbaz says Christmas conveys a universal message of love, peace, tolerance and goodwill for all humanity
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari extended heartfelt greetings to the Christian community of Pakistan and across 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 humanity. He prayed that the birth anniversary of Hazrat Isa (AS) would bring peace, stability and prosperity to the Christian community and the country.
The Prime Minister said Hazrat Isa (AS) enjoys 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 that reminds us of the deep bonds that unite all people.
The President and Prime Minister paid tribute to the contributions of Pakistan’s Christian citizens in the fields of politics, national defense, education, literature, arts, music, health care, social welfare and public service.
They reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring interfaith harmony, protection of rights and freedoms, economic well-being and equal opportunities for all citizens without any discrimination based on religion, race or ethnic origin.
The Christian community in Pakistan celebrates Christmas today like elsewhere in the world.
Special programs and services were organized in churches across the country to celebrate the festival. All the churches were decorated with colorful lights and illuminated Christmas trees.
The residential areas of the Christian community were decorated with lights and twinkling stars.
