President General Pervez Musharraf has greeted the Christian community the world over including Pakistan on Christmas and stated that all rights of minorities are fully protected in the country.
In a message, the President also reiterated that the government would continue to strive towards creating greater harmony amongst all communities in the country and protecting the rights and liberties of the minorities in Pakistan.
"On the joyous occasion of Christmas, the birth anniversary of Prophet Jesus (AS), on behalf of the Pakistani nation, I would like to extend greetings to the Christian community the world over and in Pakistan.
"May this Christmas and the coming New Year bring peace, prosperity and happiness to all," he said, wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The people of Pakistan deeply value the tremendous contribution by the Christian community in all fields of endeavour, particularly in education and medicine, he said.
President Musharraf stated that it is incumbent upon all Muslims to believe in Jesus as a Prophet of God. "Muslim hold in the highest of esteem the contribution of Prophet Jesus (AS) in spreading the word of God, love, peace, tolerance and brotherhood amongst all people."
He said "one of the cornerstones of Pakistan's policy as inspired by our great religion Islam and emphasised by the Father of the Nation, the Quaid-e-Azam, in respect for the rights of minorities, is that minorities are a sacred trust for us. "I would like to reiterate on this day that all rights and privileges of minorities as enshrined in the constitution of Pakistan are being fully protected."
Christmas, he emphasised, is also an opportunity to remind us to reaffirm our resolve to work hand in hand for the betterment of humanity.
PRIME MINISTER:
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said the government, in pursuit of its policy of enlightened moderation, is committed to create a congenial environment in the country where all the communities can lead their lives according to their faith.
In his message on the occasion of Christmas being celebrated on Sunday (December 25) throughout the country, the Prime Minister said the minorities are a sacred trust, and the government is committed to safeguarding their rights and privileges as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.
In his message the Prime Minister extended his heartiest greetings and felicitations to the Christian community all over the world and especially in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said, "Prophet Jesus Christ brought an abiding message of love, peace and compassion for humanity. Today, the strife-torn world badly needs to act upon that message. This would indeed be the best tribute to Prophet Jesus."
Shaukat Aziz said, "The contemporary socio-cultural milieu is founded on the bedrock of tolerance and understanding of one another's faith and cultural practices."
While wishing Christians a merry Christmas, the Prime Minister said, "I would like to recognise and recall the many contributions made and services rendered by them with devoted patriotism, especially in the fields of education and health."
The Prime Minister said, "I am confident that they will continue to play their significant role for the well-being and uplift of the country in the years to come."