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FAISALABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Kesso Mal Kheeal Das on Friday said that all minorities in Pakistan were fully safe and enjoy equal constitutional rights.
He joined the Christian community in Faisalabad during a Christmas ceremony to share festive celebrations and reaffirm the government’s commitment to religious harmony.
Addressing the gathering, the state minister said that the government was taking practical steps to promote interfaith harmony, tolerance and brotherhood.
The festivals like Christmas reflected the reality that Pakistan was a country where followers of all religions freely observed their religious rituals with respect, dignity and security, he added.
He said that this was his first visit to Faisalabad and he was especially pleased to be there to celebrate Christmas, expressing gratitude to the Christian community for their warm welcome.
He said that people belonging to different faiths in Pakistan celebrated their festivals with enthusiasm, freedom and protection, which was clear evidence that the country stood as a shining example of religious tolerance and mutual respect.
Referring to a recent incident in India, the state minister strongly condemned the reported humiliation of a Muslim woman in Bihar, calling it extremely regrettable and deplorable.
He said that incidents of oppression and religious intolerance against minorities particularly Muslims were on the rise in India whereas in Pakistan minorities were not only protected but are also treated with dignity and respect.
He said that policies of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had turned India into an enemy of minorities and humanity while Pakistan’s leadership followed a completely different path.
He said, “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally participates in religious festivals of minorities and promotes love, tolerance and goodwill through his conduct, sending a strong message of unity.”
He said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had placed protection of minority rights among her top priorities and regularly celebrated festivals such as Christmas and Diwali with minority communities, making them feel valued as equal citizens. The chief minister also ensured that minorities across the province feel safe, dignified and confident, he added.
Extending Christmas greetings to the Christian community on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the state minister said, “Islam does not teach hatred toward any religion but promotes respect, love, peace and brotherhood. The prime minister has effectively exposed the extremist mindset of the Modi government at international forums.”
Paying tribute to Pakistan Army, Kesso Mal Kheeal Das said that the armed forces had always played a vital role in the defense and peace of the country.
He urged the Christian community to offer special prayers in churches for the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for peace and security of the homeland.
He said that interfaith harmony was the foundation of stability, development and prosperity in any society, adding that Pakistan was a beautiful bouquet of different religions where Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and followers of other faiths had lived together for centuries.
The state minister said, “Christmas reminds humanity that the values of love, peace and tolerance are universal and not confined to any single religion. Pakistan was created in the name of Kalima Tayyabah and its Constitution guarantees equal rights to all minorities,”
He assured that the issues faced by minority communities would be addressed on priority basis and government was taking serious and practical measures in this regard.
He further cited the example of Kartarpur Gurdwara, saying that despite flooding during previous monsoon seasons, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally ensured emergency measures to drain out water, demonstrating the government’s firm commitment to the protection and respect of minority religious sites.
The state minister also cut a Christmas cake with members of the Christian community and extended warm greetings on the occasion.
Senior Vice President PML-N Punjab Minority Wing Shokat Javed Vikki, Mansoor Ahmed Randhawa, Fayaz Gondal and a large number of Christian community members were also present in the ceremony.