ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Dr. Arif Alvi has vowed that the government of Pakistan would continue to take steps for minorities’ welfare and would try its utmost to uphold the principles of equality and justice for all communities residing in Pakistan.
In his message on the occasion of Christmas being celebrated on Friday around the world including in Pakistan, the president said that I would like to extend my heartiest appreciation to our Christian brethren for their patriotism and devoted service to the Country.
“I extend my heartfelt felicitations to our Christian brethren in Pakistan and all over the world on the joyous occasion of Christmas and wish them a happy new year,” he said.
The president said that Christmas is an occasion to share the happiness and blessings of God with our loved ones. He said that on this day, we pay tribute to the Prophet Jesus Christ who was a symbol of peace, brotherhood and respect for entire humanity.
President Arif Alvi said that the Prophet Jesus Christ not only healed the ailing humanity but preached the divine values of tolerance, love and compassion. The Prophet urged the people to live a virtuous life and seek Allah’s mercy. He also propagated the message of peace, love and forgiveness for all. As a Messenger of Allah, Jesus Christ is venerable not only to Christians but also to Muslims.
Dr Arif Alvi said that the Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was also a strong advocate of the rights of minorities and declared in March 1948 that members of every community will be treated as citizens of Pakistan with equal rights, privileges and obligations and that minorities will be safeguarded and protected.
The president said that all citizens of the Country enjoy the freedom of religion and worship under the Pakistani constitution. He said that being equal citizens of the State, the government empowers them to develop their abilities to their fullest extent.
“Our policies are focused on creating harmony and cohesion between people of all faiths,” he said.
President Arif Alvi said that we are proud of our Christian community as they are an essential part of our multilingual, multireligious polity.
“Today, we also reiterate our commitment to build a society based on mutual respect of all religions and communities; a tolerant society and a state that provides equal rights and opportunities to all its citizens,” the president said.
“May the blessings of Allah Almighty be with us all.”
