By NNN-APP
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro have reiterated the government’s commitment to protect the rights of minorities in Pakistan as enshrined in the country’s Constitution.
The President and the Prime Minister in their separate messages on the auspicious occasion of Christmas extended their heartiest greetings to the Christian brethren.
President Musharraf in his message said the government is committed to always care and preserve rights of minority communities as enshrined in the Constitution.
“The Constitution of Pakistan lays down the provision for the minorities to freely profess and practice their religions for which the government is fully committed,” he said in his message to the Christian community on Christmas Day.
President Musharraf termed minorities a sacred trust for Pakistan and said Islam strongly preaches fair, equal and just treatment for all.
He said the Founder of Pakistan had unequivocally affirmed the pledge on the creation of Pakistan to provide freedom and security to all communities.
The President said Christmas is also an opportunity to remind of commitment to work hard for the betterment of humanity.
Prime Minister Soomro in his message said the Jesus Christ’s eternal message of love for humanity and for members of all communities and fraternities still holds strength to ensure harmony and peace in today’s world.
“Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) was ordained by Allah Almighty to preach love, peace, tolerance and brotherhood. He inculcated spiritual values among his followers to work for the Divine pleasure”, the Prime Minister said.
He said, the Muslims deeply revere Prophet Jesus Christ as one of the great messengers of God Almighty.
The Prime Minister, on behalf of the people, the Government of Pakistan and on his own behalf, extended heartiest greetings to Christian brethren on the auspicious occasion of Christmas.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the rights and privileges enjoyed by all minorities in Pakistan will be fully safeguarded by the government according to the Constitution of Pakistan and the guiding principles of the Father of the Nation.
“These would always remain a sacred trust for the people and the Government of Pakistan”, he added.
The Prime Minister appreciated the Christian brethren for their deep sense of patriotism and dedicated services for the progress and prosperity of the country.
“Their unmatched contribution in the process of nation building, especially in the field of health and education is a glowing chapter of our national history”, he added.
The Prime Minister said the birthday of Jesus Christ, no doubt, is a befitting occasion for celebration and jubilation. “While doing so, we should remember our poor brethren and enable them to share the happiness. I wish them all a very happy Christmas”, he added.