Govt committed to inclusive growth, interfaith harmony: minister

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division), Ali Pervaiz Malik, graced Christmas celebrations on Wednesday as the chief guest and reaffirmed commitment to inclusivity and interfaith harmony.

The Oil & Gas Development Company (OGDC) organized a special event to celebrate Christmas, bringing together Christian employees from the Petroleum Division, OGDC, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL), and Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL).

Addressing the gathering, the federal minister appreciated the dedication and hard work of the workforce that serves the country day and night.

He stated that the Christian members of the petroleum sector are an integral part of the national workforce and emphasized that the celebration reflected unity and mutual respect.

On behalf of the Government of Pakistan and the Petroleum Division, he extended heartfelt Christmas greetings to the Christian community.

Ali Pervaiz Malik reiterated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the entire government firmly believe that true progress can only be achieved through inclusive growth, where every segment of society is given equal importance.

Nobody should be discriminated on the basis of religion. The minister also directed all organizations under the Petroleum Division to follow the OGDC’s example and organize Christmas celebrations to promote inclusivity and harmony.

Managing Director of the OGDC, Ahmed Hayat Lak, thanked the Federal Minister for taking time out of his busy schedule to participate in the celebrations.

He highlighted that the OGDC has been observing Christmas every year, and this year the celebrations have been expanded to include a day-long event on Sunday for the families of Christian employees, in addition to today’s ceremony.

He further shared that the diversity and inclusion policy, recently approved by OGDC’s Board of Directors, aims to enhance women and minority representation within the organization.

Pastor Babur led special Christmas prayers, emphasizing that the true spirit of Christmas lies in peace, love, and harmony. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan and the Federal Minister for embracing the Christmas celebrations and appreciated the government’s initiatives toward promoting interfaith harmony.

The event concluded with Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik cutting the Christmas cake along with participants, marking the celebration in a spirit of unity and respect.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025