ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed that Pakistan belongs to all its citizens and that every Pakistani enjoys equal rights and full religious freedom, warning that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands in the name of religion.
Addressing a Christmas reception at the Prime Minister’s House, he said the law would take its course against any act of injustice or discrimination.
The prime minister paid tribute to Hazrat Isa (AS), describing him as a prophet of Allah who delivered humanity from oppression and spread a message of love, peace and respect.
“The world today needs this message more than ever,” he said, adding that minorities, including the Christian community, enjoy equal rights in Pakistan.
Highlighting the contributions of minorities, Sharif said their historic role was visible across all sectors, including medicine, national defence, the judiciary, education and healthcare.
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Referring to regional tensions, the prime minister said that when India attacked Pakistan in May, the country’s armed forces, under the “inspiring leadership” of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, responded decisively.
He noted that when the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down seven enemy aircraft, memories of national hero Cecil Chaudhry were rekindled.
Sharif recalled that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had repeatedly emphasised religious freedom for minorities in his speeches, a principle enshrined in the constitution.
He said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its leader Nawaz Sharif had consistently upheld respect and dignity for minorities, including by hosting events for them in Raiwind. He also mentioned the sacrifice of Haroon William, who laid down his life fighting the enemy, and said he had attended the fallen hero’s last rites alongside the field marshal.
Reiterating his commitment, the prime minister said every citizen was free to practise their religion and that Pakistan’s journey towards development and prosperity required all citizens to move forward together, shoulder to shoulder. During the ceremony, the prime minister cut a Christmas cake with leaders of the Christian community and extended warm Christmas greetings to them.
Minister of State for Interfaith Harmony Kheal Das said that all minorities in Pakistan - including Hindus, Christians and Sikhs - enjoyed complete religious freedom and equal citizenship. He added that minorities stood shoulder to shoulder with the government, contrasting the situation with India, where, he insisted, the Narendra Modi government was spreading hatred in the name of religion and failing to protect minority rights.
Federal ministers, members of parliament, senior leaders of the Christian community and diplomatic representatives attended the event.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025