Government making all-out efforts towards minorities' welfare: Mamnoon

President Mamnoon Hussain has reiterated that the Government of Pakistan would continue making every possible effort for the welfare and betterment of minorities. "The present democratic government is committed to pursue policies that are aimed at creating greater harmony and cohesion among people of different faiths," the President said in his message on the occasion of Christmas, being celebrated across the globe and Pakistan on Friday.
The President extended his heartiest greetings to the Christian brethren all over the world and in particular to those living in Pakistan. He said the equality of all citizens of the state had been enshrined in our Constitution which was made abundantly clear by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947.
"Let me reiterate that we would continue our efforts to fight religious intolerance. Let it also be made clear that we will not permit the persecution of members of other faiths in the name of religion," the President added. He also acknowledged and appreciated the valuable contributions made by the Christian brethren in Pakistan in all fields. "The nation is proud of their great contributions in the development of the country and deeply admires their loyalty to the state and commitment to obedience to the law. I have no doubt that they will continue to play their positive role for peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan," he added.
The President said Christmas, the celebration of birth of Jesus Christ, is an occasion to rejoice and celebrate. On this day, the world got a Messiah who brought a message of love, peace, tolerance and compassion for humanity. "It is time to re-dedicate ourselves to follow the noble ideals of Jesus Christ and work individually as well as collectively for the betterment and welfare of humanity and to contribute our share in making the world a safer place to live.
Jesus Christ guided people to virtuous living and urged them to seek divine mercy from God. We, as Muslims, deeply revere Jesus Christ as one of the great messengers of Allah Almighty. His teachings and message of love and peace is as relevant to us as it is to our Christian brethren. Indeed, his message of love, compassion and sacrifice is relevant to the entire humanity," the President said.