ISLAMABAD: Christians in Pakistan and around the World are celebrating their annual festival of Christmas with high zeal and fervor, the minority community held special events in Churches and prayers were offered for peace, progress and the prosperity of Pakistan.
President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in their separate messages, while congratulating the Christian community, have assured them that the government will continue to safeguard the rights and privileges of all minorities living in the country.
In a message, President Dr. Arif Alvi has reiterated the state’s commitment to protect the rights of minorities, which are guaranteed and protected in the Constitution.
He said Christmas gives a message of universal love, brotherhood, tolerance, and sacrifices and these values play a crucial role in putting a society on the path of development. He also appreciated the Christian community s positive role and contribution in progress and development of the country.
“Merry Christmas to the Christian community around the world & particularly our Pakistani Christian brothers & sisters. Jesus Christ s teachings of love, brotherhood & peace are beacon of light for us. On this Day, let us all renew our pledge to work for peace & prosperity for all,” the Prime Minister wrote in a tweet.
Chairman Pakistan People’s Party and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has also extended Christmas greetings and best wishes to the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world. His message was initially shared by PPP Media Cell and that was retweeted by Bilawal from his official account, wishing ‘Merry Christmas to all celebrating in Pakistan and around the World’.
In a message, former PM Imran Khan also congratulated the Christian community on Christmas and said that the entire nation shared this happy occasion.
Foreign Secretary Asad Majeed Khan in his message on twitter greeted the Christian officers and staff of MoFA on the joyous occasion of Christmas at a cake-cutting ceremony today. Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Mr. Asad lauded the contributions of the Christian and other religious communities towards Pakistan’s national development and progress.
Christmas is a time of festivities and cheer and leaders around the world including US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Pope Francis took to their social media handles to wish people around the globe a ‘Merry Christmas’ today.
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau also took to Twitter to share ‘joy, health, love, and peace,’ on this special day. “Merry Christmas! Like millions of Canadians, my family is excited to gather around the Christmas tree and spend some quality time together. And as we look ahead to the new year, we’re also wishing you joy, health, love, and peace,” Trudeau said.
Calling Christmas a time to celebrate with family and friends and yet remembering those who lost their loved ones, Australian PM Albanese wrote, “For many Australians Christmas Day is one to celebrate with family and friends. But for those doing it tough, or those who’ve lost loved ones Christmas Day can be difficult time.”
Albanese also posted a video in which he shared the message of love and warmth with people. He said, “It’s a day of giving. It’s a day for relaxing together with family and friends. And for many Australians, it is a day that is so central to their faith. Of course, not everyone gets to take it easy today. If you’re rostered on somewhere, I want to say thank you for your service to others.”
Meanwhile, Pope Francis wrote, “Tonight, God draws near to you because you are important to him. From the manger, as food for your life, He tells you: “If you feel consumed by events, if a sense of guilt and inadequacy devours you, if you hunger for justice, I am with you. #Christmas. Jesus asks us to go to the bare reality of things, to lay down all our excuses, our justifications and our hypocrisies at the feet of the manger. He whom Mary tenderly wrapped in swaddling wants us to be clothed in love. #Christmas.”