Key points
- Praises Christians’ contributions to national development
- Pakistan’s Christian population exceeds three million nationwide
- Christmas message stresses peace, tolerance, and goodwill
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said ensuring interfaith harmony and equal rights for all citizens, especially minorities, is a key priority for his government as Christians in Pakistan observe Christmas.
Millions of Christians worldwide celebrate Dec. 25 as the birth of Prophet Isa (Jesus), marking the day with religious and cultural festivities. Christianity is the third-largest religion in Pakistan, with the 2023 census recording over three million Christians, or 1.3% of the population.
“It remains a key priority of the Government of Pakistan to ensure interfaith harmony, protection of rights and freedoms, economic well-being, and equal opportunities for professional growth for all citizens without discrimination of religion, race, or ethnicity,” Sharif said in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Sharif, in his message, highlighted the contributions of the Christian community to Pakistan’s socio-economic development. “Their significant services in the fields of education, health care, and other walks of life have greatly contributed to the promotion of social harmony,” he said.
“It is a universal message of love, peace, tolerance, and goodwill,” he added.
