President, Asif Ali Zardari has emphasised the need for interfaith dialogue and harmony among people belonging to different religion said the government would protect the rights of minorities in the country. In his message to the Christian community all over the world and particularly in Pakistan, Zardari said the need for dialogue and understanding was never been as much before.
He felicitated the Christians in Pakistan and said it was the time for festivity, celebration and rejoicing. 'It is also a reminder to all of us of the teachings of Jesus Christ (May Allah be pleased with him), who spread the message of love, forgiveness and brotherhood among the people without any prejudice and discrimination,' he said.
President reiterated the government's commitment to continue fighting for the rights of all minorities including Christians and deprived people in the country for establishing a liberal and pluralistic society. 'Let me also reiterate on this occasion the pledge made by the government that it will continue to uphold the right of the Christians, indeed of all minorities to be treated as equal citizens of the state and allowed to partake in its development on an equal footing,' he said.
Further, he said that such efforts would create a society where every citizen is allowed to participate freely in the social, political and economic development irrespective of his cast, creed and colour. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said the government in pursuit of its policy of interfaith harmony, was committed to creating a congenial environment where all communities could lead their lives according to their faiths.
In his message on Christmas, Prime Minister Gilani wished the Christians a happy Christmas and said the contemporary socio-cultural milieu was founded on the bedrock of tolerance and understanding of one another's faith and cultural practices. The Prime Minister said democratic government gave special importance to minorities by reserving five per cent quota in government services, and said various steps were being taken for mainstreaming them in the society.
He urged the countrymen to maintain unity in their ranks, discipline in their actions and live in harmony without any ethnic, sectarian or regional considerations while standing together as a nation and facing all challenges with courage and fortitude. "We should make our nation stronger and more prosperous and ensure that our future generations enjoy the fruits of peace, progress and prosperity," he said.
The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that the people imbued with sense of honour, national pride and dedication possessed the potential to protect their national interests. He said Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) was ordained by Almighty Allah to preach love, peace, tolerance and brotherhood, who also inculcated spiritual values among his followers to work for the divine pleasure.
"The Muslims deeply revere Prophet Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) as one of the great messengers of Almighty Allah, His eternal message of love for humanity and for members of all communities and fraternities still hold strength to ensure harmony and peace in today's world," he said.
Gilani appreciated the Christians for their deep sense of patriotism and dedication towards the progress and prosperity of the country. "Their unmatched contribution in the process of nation building, especially in the fields of health and education is a glowing chapter in our national history," he said. The Prime Minister said the birthday of Jesus Christ was a befitting occasion for celebration and jubilation, and said one must remember the poor brethren and enable them to share the happiness.
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