Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has powerfully reiterated Pakistan's unwavering dedication to the principles of pluralism, interfaith harmony, and peaceful coexistence. He declared the nation's rich diversity as a profound source of pride and collective strength.
Dual Celebrations Reflect Founding Vision
In a significant message released on the eve marking both the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Christmas, Dar highlighted the symbolic importance of this coincidence. He stated that the alignment of these two occasions perfectly mirrors the inclusive vision and strong moral foundations that were central to the establishment of Pakistan.
Dar emphasized that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned Pakistan as a democratic state rooted in equality, pluralism, and respect for the fundamental rights of every citizen. This vision, he noted, explicitly rejected distinctions based on religion, race, or ethnicity.
Quaid's Historic Guarantee and Constitutional Cornerstone
The Deputy Prime Minister specifically recalled the founding father's historic address to the Constituent Assembly on 11 August 1947. In that seminal speech, Jinnah affirmed that the state would make no discrimination between its citizens.
Building on this legacy, Dar stressed that Pakistan's commitment to safeguarding minority rights, ensuring equality, and guaranteeing religious freedom remains a cornerstone of both the Constitution and the national ethos. He extended warm Christmas greetings to the Christian community across the country, reaffirming the government's dedication to these foundational principles as imagined by Pakistan's founding fathers.
Tribute to Christian Community's National Service
Ishaq Dar paid a heartfelt tribute to the immense contributions made by Pakistani Christian citizens to the nation's development. He acknowledged their dedicated service in vital sectors including:
- Education and Healthcare
- Public Service and National Defence
He praised the community for serving the country with remarkable dedication, patriotism, and honour.
Connecting the festive occasion with national ideals, Dar said the message of Christmas embodies universal values of peace, compassion, sacrifice, and love for humanity. He pointed out that these values resonate deeply with Islamic teachings and the ideals championed by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Concluding his message, the Deputy Prime Minister wished Christians in Pakistan and around the world a Merry Christmas. He also paid a sincere and respectful tribute to the memory and legacy of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his birth anniversary.
