Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has said that minorities in Pakistan enjoy all political, economic, and social rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan. “Our religion, Islam fully recognizes and protects the rights of minorities.
The Government of Pakistan provides equal opportunities to all citizens irrespective of their colour, class and creed,’ the president said in a message on the occasion of Christmas which is being celebrated on December 25.
The president said that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of the nation, in his historic speech of August 11, 1947, had stated that everyone, irrespective of color, creed, and religion, would have equal rights, privileges, and obligations, along with complete religious freedom in the new State of Pakistan.
“As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the festive occasion, let us also remember the values that bind us together as a nation—respect for diversity, protection of minority rights, and a commitment to building a tolerant and inclusive society,” he said while extending his warmest and heartfelt greetings to the Christian community on the joyous occasion of Christmas.
He also assured that the government was committed to ensuring the protection of the rights of all religious minorities in Pakistan, adding that he felt pride to say that all organs of the state fully protect the rights of minorities.
“Together, we can work towards a brighter and more harmonious future for our great nation,” President Secretariat Press Wing, in a press release, quoted him as saying.
President Alvi said that the Christmas was a time of joy, reflection, and celebration, holding a special place in the hearts of our Christian brethren. It commemorated the birth of Hazrat Essa (A.S), whose teachings of love, compassion, and peace continue to inspire and guided them.
The diversity of religions and cultures was a source of strength for Pakistan, and their Christian community had significantly contributed to the social and economic development of the country, he observed. The president said they acknowledged the commendable services rendered by the Christian community for the promotion of peace, tolerance and harmony in the country. “On this festive occasion, let us celebrate the spirit of Christmas, fostering unity, understanding, and goodwill among all communities. May the message of Christmas, with its themes of love, forgiveness, and hope, resonate in our hearts, guiding us towards a future filled with peace, happiness, harmony and prosperity,” he added.
Meanwhile, As the nation celebrates the 147th birthday of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah today, the prime minister and president urged Pakistanis to follow the vision of the founder of the nation.
The day dawned with gun salutes in the federal and provincial capitals followed by a change of the guard’s ceremony at Quaid-i-Azam’s mausoleum in Karachi, Radio Pakistan reported.
Special programmes were also arranged by various social, political, governmental and non-governmental organisations and forums to celebrate the birthday of the founder of Pakistan.
In his message shared today, President Dr Arif Alvi said Quaid-i-Azam was the great benefactor of the nation whose tireless efforts led to the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent, state-run Radio Pakistan said.
The president said the current situation in the country demanded the following of the Father of the Nation’s vision and his guiding principles in letter and spirit to promote unity and democratic values.
Dr Alvi also stressed the need for unity, hope and justice for the promotion of Islamic ideals, moral values, unity and brotherhood.
Separately, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said Quaid’s principles of “unity, faith and discipline” should be the guiding principles for all as a nation, according to Radio Pakistan.
