As Christians all over the world celebrate the festive season, the Christian community in Pakistan also commemorates the day with joy and fervour. Pakistani politicians, this December 25, extended their well wishes to those celebrating Chistmas in Pakistan and urged them to do so safely in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, on Christmas eve, posted his wish on Twitter and urged all citizens to comply with COVID-19 safetly guidelines.
In his official statement, the prime minister said the Government is dedicated to preserving the sanctity of existence and equality of opportunities enjoyed by all Pakistanis, including minorities.
The same message was reiterated by President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi who, while felicitating the Christian community in his official message, said that as a Messenger of Allah, Jesus Christ (PBUH) is venerable not only to Christians but also to Muslims.
“We are proud of our Christian community, as they are an essential part of our multilingual, multireligious polity,” the president said. “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.”
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also extended his greetings to Pakistan’s Christian community.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz, talking to Radio Pakistan, extended his wishes to those celebrating Christmas in Pakistan, and acknowledged the contributions of the Christian community to the nation’s development and well-being.
Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari wished everyone celebrating a joyous Christmas and urged all citizens to stay safe.
Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in his official message, extended Christmas greeetings to all those celebrating the occasion the world over and in Pakistan.
He assured Christians and other minorities that their rights as equal citizens of Pakistan, as enshrined in the Constitution, will always be protected. He also appealed to the Christian community to hold special prayers for strengthening democracy, peace, and prosperity in Pakistan, for the establishment of an egalitarian society.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz Sharif also extended her prayers and good wishes to all her Christian brethren.
