Interior Minister Naqvi visits Islamabad Church, extends Christmas greetings

Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi on Thursday extended heartfelt Christmas greetings to the Christian community, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring equal respect, protection and opportunities for followers of all religions in Pakistan.

He said that promoting religious harmony and mutual respect was the foundation of a strong and progressive Pakistan and stressed that unity among communities was essential for the country’s development, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

On the occasion of Christmas, the interior minister visited a church in Islamabad’s F-8 sector, where he attended a special ceremony at the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.

He was received by the Archbishop of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Joseph Arshad, while Reverend Father Sylvester Joseph welcomed him on behalf of the Christian community.

Naqvi joined Archbishop Arshad and members of the community in cutting the Christmas cake and lighting a candle of peace. He also participated in the Christmas prayer ceremony, as children presented him with welcome flowers and performed a tableau and Christmas carols.

Addressing the gathering, Naqvi said that Christmas carried a message of happiness, love and brotherhood. He recalled the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, saying that all communities living in Pakistan were equal and enjoyed the same rights, and that all Pakistanis stood united as one nation.

The interior minister said that foolproof security arrangements had been put in place across the country to ensure peaceful celebrations of Christmas. The event was also attended by the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, the Inspector General of Islamabad Police, and senior district administration officials.

In a separate message on Christmas Day, Naqvi said the occasion reminded people of the values of love, sacrifice, brotherhood and peace, and added that the nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the Christian community in sharing their joys.

He said that Hazrat Isa (Jesus Christ), peace be upon him, preached tolerance, respect for humanity and compassion, and that his teachings were meant for all of humankind rather than any single group or community.

Emphasising minority rights, Naqvi said their protection was a national duty and that the Christian community had the full right to celebrate its religious and cultural traditions with freedom and enthusiasm, as guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan.

He paid tribute to the contributions of the Christian community in education, health, defence, social services and nation-building, describing their role as commendable and unforgettable.

He added that the Christian community had always upheld the rule of law and promoted national unity, and in every difficult time had demonstrated loyalty, sacrifice and service to the country.

Reporters: Awais Kiyani and Amanat Giskhkori