RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has reaffirmed the country’s armed forces’ commitment to protect the dignity, security, and equal rights of all Pakistani citizens as per the Constitution, a military statement said on Thursday.
Field Marshal Munir made the remarks while attending the Christmas celebrations at Christ Church in Rawalpindi, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said.
In Pakistan, Christians constitute 1.37 per cent of the population, yet their presence is deeply woven into the very fabric of the country’s social, cultural, and economic life.
The Army Chief extended heartfelt Christmas greetings and best wishes for peace, harmony, and prosperity to the community.
“Paying tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Field Marshal highlighted the Founder’s vision of equality, freedom, and religious tolerance, emphasising the protection of minority rights as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s ideology,” ISPR said.
Field Marshal highlighted the enduring contributions of Pakistani Christians to national development and security, including their proud and distinguished service in the Pakistan Armed Forces across generations.
He also stressed the importance of interfaith harmony, mutual respect and unity, stating that Pakistan’s strength lies in its diversity, equal opportunities and shared constitutional values beyond religion, ethnicity, caste and creed.
The Christian community leaders, on the occasion, expressed gratitude for the Field Marshal’s visit, acknowledging the Pakistan Armed Forces’ role in the protection of the homeland, inclusivity, religious harmony, and national unity in Pakistan.
Christians across Pakistan are celebrating Christmas with religious devotion and traditional festivities, joining millions of believers around the world.
Special programmes and prayer services are being held in churches nationwide, which have been adorned with colourful lights and illuminated Christmas trees. Residential areas of the Christian community are also glowing with twinkling lights and decorative stars.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have also extended warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to Christian citizens of Pakistan and Christian communities worldwide on the occasion.
In their separate messages, they said Christmas is a time of hope, peace, and compassion, reminding humanity of the shared bonds that unite people across faiths and cultures.
The President and Prime Minister paid tribute to the valuable contributions of Pakistan’s Christian citizens in fields such as politics, national defence, education, literature, arts, music, healthcare, social welfare, and public service.
They reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and ensuring the protection of rights and freedoms, economic well-being, and equal opportunities for all citizens, without discrimination based on religion, race, or ethnicity.
