PM Shehbaz praises Christian community for its role in country’s progress 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that people belonging to the Christian community had played an important role not only in the country’s development but also in its defence, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Addressing a ceremony held in connection with Christmas, he said there was a need to treat all religious communities and sectarian and ethnic groups living in the country alike. 

PM Shehbaz said he and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had received education at missionary schools namely St Anthony and Cathedral. 

Quoting the Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the prime minister said he had said that the protection of minorities was a topmost priority for the government.  

Expressing his concern over the situation in Gaza following a relentless bombing by the Israeli forces, he went on to say that the ceasefire in the strip was a need of the hour.  

Tarar lauds Christians’ services for Pakistan

Earlier addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar said the Christian community has rendered immense sacrifices and services for Pakistan. He said the Christian community also played a prominent role in the Pakistan Movement.

The Christian community, he said, was advancing the Prime Minister’s vision of development and progress.

Wishing Merry Christmas to Christian brothers and sisters, he said he was glad to represent 70 thousand Christians in his constituency. “During the election campaign, I received immense love and affection from the Christian community in my constituency”, he remarked.

The minister said that the white colour in the national flag represented minorities and the Christian community has always kept the flag high.

He said the body of a brave soldier Haroon William was draped in a national flag, who sacrificed his life in line of duty. He maintained that the Christian community has created eternal stories of sacrifices.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif also gave laptops and scholarships to Christian students on merit, Tarar said.

Stressing the need for the promotion of interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence in the country, he said the government was trying hard to protect the rights of minorities.