ISLAMABAD – On Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir sent their Christmas greetings to Pakistan’s Christian community, celebrating the spirit of the holiday with unity and joy across the nation.
Christmas celebrations are being observed across Pakistan with devotion and enthusiasm, with the Christian community holding prayer services in cities nationwide. These services focus on prayers for the nation’s peace, security, and progress.
PM Shehbaz Sharif Calls for Unity and Interfaith Harmony
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed an event at the PM House in connection with the Christmas celebrations, emphasizing that the development and prosperity of Pakistan are intrinsically linked to the protection of the rights of the Christian community and other minority groups. He called for the nation to unite for the betterment of all, noting the importance of collective efforts for peace and humanity.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the Holy Quran holds Prophet Jesus Christ (PBUH) and Hazrat Maryam (PBUH) in high regard, urging the nation to reflect on the suffering of those in Palestine. “The birthplace of Jesus Christ is soaked in blood, with innocent lives lost,” he lamented. PM Shehbaz called for greater unity among all citizens to end the violence and work towards peace.
PM Shehbaz further acknowledged the significant contributions of the Christian community to the nation’s history, from the independence struggle to defense efforts and educational advancements. He praised the efforts of prominent figures such as Cecil Chaudhary and Justice Cornelius, who played an essential role in Pakistan’s progress.
Reflecting on his own life, the Prime Minister shared that both he and his brother, Nawaz Sharif, had graduated from missionary schools, which contributed significantly to their personal development. “We must work together to foster interfaith harmony, ensuring minorities feel respected and valued as equal citizens of Pakistan,” he said.
COAS General Munir Celebrates Christmas with Christian Community
In a show of solidarity and inclusiveness, COAS General Syed Asim Munir joined the Christian community in celebrating Christmas at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral Church in Rawalpindi. A statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) highlighted the warm reception the army chief received during the event, emphasizing the importance of unity and harmony among all Pakistanis.
COAS General Munir stressed that Christmas serves as a reminder of the universal values of compassion, generosity, and goodwill, values that bind Pakistan’s diverse communities together. He acknowledged the Christian community’s immense contributions to the country’s cultural, social, and economic progress.
The army chief also paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, recognizing his vision of a country built on the ideals of faith, unity, and discipline. General Munir remarked that the Quaid’s commitment to freedom, equality, and religious tolerance continues to inspire Pakistan, guiding the nation toward unity and progress.
“As we celebrate Christmas, let us come together with renewed determination to transform Pakistan into the peaceful and prosperous nation envisioned by the Quaid,” General Munir concluded, urging all citizens to contribute to the realization of this goal.
