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ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):Archbishop of Rawalpindi/Islamabad Dr. Joseph Arshad has said that Christmas carries a universal message of love, reconciliation, peace and hope, calling all humanity to come closer to one another, reject hatred and promote harmony and brotherhood.
He said that people of different faiths coming together on one platform is a clear reflection of religious tolerance and national unity in Pakistan. He expressed these views while addressing a Christmas Interfaith Harmony Ceremony organized under the auspices of the Islamabad–Rawalpindi Diocese.
The ceremony was held under the patronage of Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad and was organized by Reverend Father Azam Siddiq, Director (CCIDE), along with his team.
The program formally began with a prayer led by Reverend Father Kamran Daniel, followed by a soulful recitation from the Holy Quran by Maulana Hafiz Iqbal Rizvi. This spiritual opening created an atmosphere of interfaith respect and harmony.
The proceedings were conducted by Reverend Father Sabir and Babu Sajid Amin.
In his address, Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad said that Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace for all humanity and that His teachings are not limited to any one religion or nation, but are meant for all humankind. He further stated that the Catholic Church is observing the year 2025 as the Jubilee Year under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”
In this context, he emphasized the need to play a collective role in promoting hope, justice and peace across the world, especially at a time when humanity is facing wars, conflicts, political instability, violence and the challenges of climate change.
The ceremony was attended by prominent religious, political and social leaders from Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Christian communities, including Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Allama Zahid Hussain Kazmi, Pir Ismat, Maulana Hafiz Iqbal Rizvi, Sohail bin Aziz and Professor Farooq Abdullah.
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora and other speakers extended heartfelt Christmas greetings to the Christian community and described such interfaith gatherings as the need of the hour for promoting harmony and peaceful coexistence. They stressed that the participation of followers of different faiths on one platform reflects Pakistan’s strong tradition of religious tolerance and national unity.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a Christmas cake was cut, and special prayers were offered for the peace, security, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad extended warm Christmas greetings to all citizens and called upon everyone to pledge collectively for the promotion of love, hope, human dignity, and mutual respect.