ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring peace, tranquility, 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 Hazrat Isa (AS).
Caretaker 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, affection, and unity among different religious communities, appreciating the steps taken by Muslims and the government to protect the equal rights of minorities in Pakistan.
