President Zardari extends Christmas greetings, reaffirms commitment to religious freedom, harmony

ISLAMABAD, Dec 25 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday extended warm Christmas greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and across the world, describing the festival as a message of hope, peace and compassion for all humanity.

In his message issued by the Presidency, the president said Christmas symbolised love, tolerance and empathy, values that were essential for promoting harmony and peaceful coexistence in society. He emphasized that Pakistan was founded on the principles of equality, justice and religious freedom for all citizens.

President Zardari recalled that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had unequivocally guaranteed complete religious freedom to people of all faiths, enabling them to practice their beliefs without fear or discrimination. He said that the Constitution of Pakistan ensured equal rights and religious freedom for every citizen, regardless of religion.

Paying tribute to the Christian community, the president acknowledged their valuable contributions to national development, stating that Christian citizens had played a significant role in politics, defence, education and healthcare. He noted that their services and sacrifices were a source of pride for the nation.

The president also paid homage to prominent Christian figures, including S.P. Singha, lauding his historic services in support of Pakistan’s creation, and Air Commodore Cecil Chaudhry, the hero of the 1965 war, for his bravery and distinguished role in the defence of the country.

President Zardari reaffirmed the government’s resolve to promote religious harmony, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, stating that diversity was Pakistan’s strength and a source of national unity.

Concluding his message, the president prayed for peace, good health and prosperity for the Christian community