Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured the minority community of government’s full support in their journey towards progress and prosperity.
He was addressing a ceremony held in Islamabad today in connection with the Christmas celebrations.
The Prime Minister made it clear that no one will be allowed to commit injustice against minorities under any circumstances.
The Prime Minister expressed his resolve to stand firm with the minorities for the protection of their rights and said that this country belongs to all of us and we all have equal rights in it.
Shehbaz Sharif said Islam imparts the teachings of love, peace, equality, justice and brotherhood and similarly, the essence of the teachings of Holy Prophet (SAWW) is to deal others with love and affection and not to hurt others.
He emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan greatly stressed for the protection of rights of minorities including Christians, Sikhs, Hindus and Parsis.
Alluding to the speech of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah regarding the religious freedom, Shehbaz Sharif said that the Father of Nation clearly stated that you are free to go to mosques, temples, Churches and Gurdwaras. He said that these sayings of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah are an essential feature of the Constitution of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister highlighted the valuable contributions of minorities in the national development of country. He said that Christian community played an outstanding role in multiple sectors including education, justice, medicine and defence of country.
He specifically acknowledged Justice A.R Cornelius, former Chief Justice of Pakistan, for his exemplary role in strengthening the country’s judicial system; Air Commodore Cecil Chaudhry for his valour and services in the defence of Pakistan; and Dr. Ruth Pfau for her extraordinary humanitarian work in healthcare, especially her lifelong fight against leprosy in the country.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the teachings of Hazrat Essa (A.S.) describing him as a symbol of peace, compassion and service to humanity. He said the message of love, justice and tolerance preached by Hazrat Essa (A.S.) is deeply relevant in the present age and aligned with the core principles of Islam and Pakistan’s founding vision.
