ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar emphasized on Saturday all citizens of Pakistan, regardless of their faith, enjoyed equal rights while addressing an event organized by the human rights ministry to celebrate Christmas in the federal capital.
The event, symbolizing unity and diversity, saw leaders from various faiths come together to cut a Christmas cake, as Kakar extended festive greetings to the Christian community on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan.
Despite striving for religious harmony, Pakistan has faced challenges in maintaining peace among different faith-based groups, with the Christian community being targeted in certain instances.
Earlier this year in August, violence erupted in Jaranwala, a small town in Punjab’s Faisalabad district, following accusations against two Christian men of desecrating the Holy Qur’an.
While there were no casualties, the incident marked one of the most destructive attacks against Pakistani Christians and drew strong condemnation from political and religious leaders across the country.
“We will resist all kinds of fascism,” declared the prime minister at the ceremony, as reported by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency. “Pakistan is the flag carrier of inclusiveness and harmony.”
With the festive season approaching, the Christian community across Pakistan is busy with preparations for their annual religious celebration.
In Multan, a city known for its vibrancy, Christian families have been gearing up for Christmas amid bustling markets, with many of them buying news clothes, jewelry and festive decorations, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and anticipation.
“We came here to prepare for the Christmas festival on December 25,” Grace Samia, a Christian resident of the city, said with enthusiasm while speaking to AFP. “We’re purchasing clothes and jewelry for our kids and ourselves to fully celebrate Christmas.”
Robina Daniel, echoing the sentiment, underscored the significance of these preparations.
“We do Christmas preparations with full swing because it’s our biggest event, celebrated every year,” she said. “As soon as December begins, our preparations start.”
Umella Amir emphasized the communal nature of the preparations:
“Our whole family is here for Christmas shopping. We’ve almost finished because the days are drawing near, and we need to wrap up our preparations.”
Reflecting on the day’s spiritual significance, Pastor Faheem Shahzad, head of the Presbyterian Church, said Christians always prayed for peace and unity on the special day.
“Christmas is our happiest day,” he said. “People come to churches to attend prayers and participate in various functions. I am thankful to God that people always express love, peace, and unity through these prayers.”
(With input from AFP)
As Christians ready for Christmas, Pakistan PM emphasizes religious equality and tolerance
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As Christians ready for Christmas, Pakistan PM emphasizes religious equality and tolerance
- PM Kakar says Pakistan will resist fascism at a Christmas ceremony attended by leaders of different faiths
- Christian families in Pakistan say they started preparing for the festival as soon as the ongoing month arrived