President Alvi Emphasizes Equal Rights and Interfaith Harmony During Christmas Celebration”

President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi cutting Christmas Cake at President’s House Islamabad along with prominent religious from Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Baha’i religions. Beautiful example and fruit of Interreligious Dialogue in Pakistan.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony organized the Interfaith Christmas Celebration Ceremony on 21st December, 2023 at President House Islamabad. President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi was the chief guest and Federal Minister of Religious Affairs Dr Aneeq Ahmed was the organizer for the Interfaith Christmas Celebration,2023.

His Excellency, Dr Arif Alvi, President of Pakistan was the Chief Guest and Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony was the organiser. I read a passage from the Holy Bible at this grand event to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ - the Prince of Peace. in honorable personalities Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad. Bishop Nadeem Kamran, Bishop Irfan Jamil, Fr. James Channan OP, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad were present. A big number of parliamentarians, religious leaders, members of different faiths, diplomatic corps, and Christian families participated in the Interfaith Christmas Celebration. Fr. James Channan op read a passage from the Holy Bible at this grand event to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ - the Prince of Peace.

President Dr. Arif Alvi reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring peace, tranquillity, and equal rights for all citizens, regardless of caste, creed, or religion.

Speaking at a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr to celebrate Christmas, the president highlighted the Islamic teachings, as pronounced by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan, emphasizing the duty of the Islamic welfare state to safeguard the basic rights of religious minorities.

President Alvi acknowledged Prophet Isa (AS) as an embodiment of peace and affection, values much needed in today’s strife-ridden world. He conveyed a message to the world, urging an end to wars, stating that conflicts diminish the value of human life and emphasizing the teachings of Islam and other religions that stress the importance of human life. The ceremony, organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, brought together parliamentarians, religious leaders, members of different faiths, diplomatic corps, and Christian families. President Alvi expressed concern over atrocities in Gaza, stressing the need for a ceasefire and denouncing the continued violence against Palestinians.

Referring to Pakistan’s history, he mentioned the simultaneous resolution over Palestine when the Pakistan Resolution was passed in 1940, reaffirming the two-state solution. President Alvi praised the equal rights enjoyed by all communities in Pakistan, highlighting the country’s commitment to interfaith harmony and unity. He commended the judiciary for its role in protecting the rights of religious minorities and appreciated the contributions of minorities to the social and economic uplift of the nation. President Alvi also expressed concern about the treatment of minorities in India and emphasized the need to reinforce the spiritual message of peace, empathy, and affection, as spread by Jesus Christ.

Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Aneeq Ahmed, urged religious leaders to promote peace and love globally. Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad and Bishop Nadeem Kamran also emphasized the importance of reinforcing brotherhood.

Reported by:
Asher Nazir