ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Christian community is celebrating Christmas on Thursday to mark the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ.
In order to celebrate the date, special services will be held in Churches across the country.
In Bethlehem, thousands Christian pilgrims flocked for Christmas Eve celebrations at the traditional birthplace of Jesus.
In their separate messages on Christmas, President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reiterated the government’s resolve to pursue the policies aimed at creating greater harmony and cohesion among people of different faiths.
They extended heartiest greetings to the Christian brethren all over the world and in particular to those living in Pakistan. They also acknowledged the valuable contributions made by the Christian brethren in Pakistan in all fields.
The president categorically stated that we will not permit persecution of members of other faiths in the name of religion in the country. He said the equality of all citizens of the state has been enshrined in our Constitution.
In his message, the prime minister said the government treats all minority citizens as equal citizens of Pakistan and undertakes to empower them to use their abilities for national development.
The prime minister said that the sanctity of existence and equality of opportunity enjoyed by all Pakistanis including minorities, will be ensured.
