PPP committed to uphold rights of Christians, all minorities in Pakistan: President

ISLAMABAD: Felicitating the Christian community in Pakistan on the auspicious occasion of Christmas, President Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will continue to uphold the right of Christians and all minorities, to be treated as equal citizens of the state.

“Let me also reiterate on this occasion our pledge that the PPP will continue to uphold the right of the Christians, indeed of all minorities, to be treated as equal citizens of the state and allowed to partake in its development on an equal footing,” the President said in his message on the occasion of Christmas.President Zardari felicitated the Christians all over the world, particularly Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan, on the auspicious occasion of Christmas.

“Christmas is time for festivity, celebration and rejoicing.  It is also a reminder to all of us of the teachings of Jesus Christ (May Allah be pleased with him) and his message of love, forgiveness and brotherhood among the people without any prejudice and discrimination,” he added.

The President said, “We, as Muslims deeply revere Jesus Christ as one of the great messengers of Allah. His universal message of love is the recipe for harmony and peace in a strife torn world. We need to imbibe the message of love of Jesus Christ in our lives.”

He also acknowledged and appreciated the constructive role played by the Christian community in the development and progress of the country, adding, they are a law-abiding and loyal community and “we are proud of their tremendous contributions to the advancement and development of the country.”

The President on this auspicious occasion also reiterated the commitment of the democratic government of Pakistan Peoples Party to “continue to fight along with our Christian brothers and sisters for the rights of all minorities and deprived people in the country for establishing a liberal and pluralistic society in Pakistan.”