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Punjab Police ensured foolproof security on Quaid-e-Azam Day, Christmas

By
Asif Jalal
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LAHORE, Dec 25 (APP): Punjab Police remained on high alert across the province on the occasion of Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas, ensuring comprehensive security arrangements for citizens attending worship services, celebrations, parks, and recreational areas.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar extended heartfelt greetings to the nation on Quaid-e-Azam Day and to the Christian community on Christmas, including all Christian officers and personnel of Punjab Police.
Dr. Usman Anwar said that Punjab Police stands shoulder to shoulder with the Christian community during their festivities and coordinated closely with church administrations to ensure foolproof security. Over 30,000 police officers and personnel were deployed at 3,583 churches, parks, and sensitive locations across the province.
In Lahore, more than 6,000 police officers secured over 600 Christian places of worship. Special units, including Dolphin Squad, PRU, and Elite Force teams, conducted regular patrolling around churches and recreational areas. A total of 2,832 CCTV cameras were installed for monitoring sensitive sites, while 4,546 metal detectors were used to screen visitors.
Additionally, over 1,000 police officers were deployed for the security of Quaid-e-Azam Day events. Commandos and snipers were positioned at sensitive churches and key locations. Under the IG Punjab’s directions, citizens were allowed entry into churches and parks only after thorough checking and identity verification. DPOs and senior supervisory officers personally inspected security arrangements and maintained continuous coordination with church administrations.
Dr. Usman Anwar commended the officers and personnel for their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication in maintaining law and order. Security at entry and exit points in Lahore and other cities was further tightened, and citizens were urged to report any suspicious person, item, or activity to the local police immediately.

PM sends advice to appoint Justice Khalid Yousuf as permanent judge of AJK SC

By
Asif Jalal
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 25 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif sent an advice to President Azad Jammu and Kashmir Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry to appoint Justice Khalid Yousuf Chaudhry as a permanent judge of the Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Minister Ramesh Singh Arora extends greetings on Christmas, Quaid-e-Azam Day

By
Asif Jalal
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LAHORE, Dec 25 (APP): Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Christian community on Christmas and to the nation on Quaid-e-Azam Day.
In his message, the minister said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah provided minorities with constitutional guarantees of complete religious freedom and equal rights, envisioning a country where all citizens could live with peace, respect, and equality, regardless of their religion.
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora described Christmas as a symbol of love, peace, and brotherhood, reflecting Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of Pakistan, and congratulated the people on both occasions. He strongly condemned incidents of violence against Christians in India during Christmas, including restrictions on religious rituals and bans on celebrations, saying that under the BJP government, India has become unsafe for minorities.
He contrasted the situation in India with Pakistan, where minorities enjoy complete religious freedom. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Christmas is being celebrated officially for the first time for 12 days in Punjab. He noted that Pakistan’s largest 42-foot Christmas tree has been installed at Liberty Chowk, Lahore, as a symbol of interfaith harmony.
The minister said Pakistan has become a shining example of protection and respect for minorities, ensuring minority cards, religious freedom, and equal rights in Punjab. He added that hate-driven politics in India targets minorities, whereas in Pakistan, religious festivals are celebrated with peace, dignity, and happiness. He concluded that the peaceful celebration of Christmas by the Christian community in Punjab is a true reflection of Quaid-e-Azam’s vision for Pakistan.

Minister extends greetings on Quaid-e-Azam Day, Christmas

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Dec 25 (APP): Punjab Minister for Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal Sohail Shaukat Butt has extended heartfelt congratulations to the nation and the Christian community on the occasion of Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas.
In his message, the minister said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah laid the foundation of Pakistan on the principles of religious freedom, equal rights, and tolerance. He added that the Founder envisioned a country where all citizens enjoy equal rights without any discrimination based on religion, race, or belief.
Sohail Shaukat Butt said the festival of Christmas conveys a message of love, peace, and brotherhood, reflecting Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of Pakistan in practical terms. He acknowledged the significant role played by the Christian community in the country’s development and progress.
The minister said the Punjab government is taking all possible measures to protect minority rights and promote interfaith harmony, and will remain committed to this resolve in the future. He said that a peaceful society founded on mutual respect and tolerance represents the strongest foundation for Pakistan.

WCLA organises special events to mark Quaid’s birth anniversary and Christmas

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Dec 25 (APP): The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) on Thursday organised special events to commemorate Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birth anniversary and Christmas at various historic locations across the city.
The celebrations were held at the Lahore Fort, Jahangir’s Tomb, Shalimar Gardens and selected sites within the Walled City, attracting a large number of citizens, tourists and members of different communities, said a press release issued here.
The events aimed to promote national unity, religious harmony and the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan.
Quaid-i-Azam Day was marked with special ceremonies, speeches and patriotic activities highlighting the vision and leadership of the founder of the Nation.
Christmas celebrations included special programmes for the Christian community, prayers and festive activities reflecting the spirit of peace and inclusivity.
Speaking on the occasion WCLA DG  Najamus Saqib stated, “Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a Pakistan based on tolerance, equality, and religious freedom. Celebrating Quaid-i-Azam Day alongside Christmas reflects the true spirit of his vision. WCLA remains committed not only to the preservation of historic heritage but also to promoting interfaith harmony and cultural diversity.”
He further said that organizing such events at heritage sites helps promote tourism and connects the younger generation with Pakistan’s history, culture, and the ideals of Quaid-i-Azam.

Unity among all religions prime agenda of Pakistan: Speakers

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Dec 25 (APP): The National Institute of Public Policy (NIPP) hosted a seminar to promote interfaith harmony.
According to a press release issued here on Thursday the event was attended by Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and Khateeb of the Badshahi Mosque Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, Father James Channan, National School of Public Policy (NSPP) Rector Dr Muhammad Jamil Afaqi, NIPP leadership and team.
National Institute of Public Policy (NIPP) Dean Dr Naveed Elahi specially invited employees of NIPP belonging from the minority religious communities.
The ceremony started with the recitation from the Holy Quran followed by a reading from the Holy Bible symbolizing the institution’s deep rooted commitment to mutual respect and
co-existence.
(NIPP) Dr Naveed Elahi opened the proceedings by quoting the historic words of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, “You are free, you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your Mosques or to any
other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the state.”
Dr Elahi emphasized that these words were not merely a message from the past but a shield of protection and promise to all religious communities residing in Pakistan.
Father James Channan addressed the audience, stating, “Pakistan’s diversity is its strength and that interfaith harmony is the ultimate key to the country’s success.”
He noted that Pakistan’s narrative
of inclusion were now globally recognized by the United Nations, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the Vatican largely due to the wide circulation of the Paigham-e-Pakistan program.
Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, emphasized that maintaining communal harmony was a religious and
moral obligation.
He highlighted that unity among all religions was the prime agenda of the State of Pakistan and the message of Islam as well.
He further mentioned that the ‘Paigham-i-Pakistan’ initiative had successfully conveyed the state’s message of peace both domestically and internationally.
In closing remarks, (NSPP) Rector Dr Muhammad Jamil Afaqi stressed that while the state was responsible for policy and rule of law, the actual practice of harmony belongs to the people.
He noted that interfaith harmony must be a collective effort of all citizens rather than just a state policy.
To mark the spirit of the day, a ceremonial cake-cutting was held with the distinguished guests, faculty
and interns. The gesture served as a powerful visual reminder of the shared values that bind Pakistan’s
diverse faith communities together.

CCD joins Christian community in Christmas celebrations

By
Asif Jalal
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LAHORE, Dec 25 (APP): On the instructions of Additional IG CCD Punjab Sohail Zafar Chatha, officers of the Crime Control Department visited churches across Punjab to extend Christmas greetings and distribute cakes and gifts among the Christian community.
Additional IG Chatha directed all divisional and district officers of the department to actively participate in celebrations organized on the occasion of Christmas, convey his greetings to the Christian community on his behalf, and distribute cakes and gifts among them.
Following these instructions, CCD officers visited churches in Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and other cities across the province. Gifts and cakes were distributed among the Christian community to mark the festive occasion.
Earlier, in line with Additional IG Chatha’s directives, gifts and cash were also distributed among all Christian employees working in the Crime Control Department to celebrate Christmas and acknowledge their contributions.
The department said the initiative reflects its commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and celebrating the cultural and religious diversity of Punjab.

CM Maryam pays tribute to Quaid-e-Azam on birth anniversary

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Dec 25 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her special messages on the birth anniversaries of Pakistan’s founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, paying tribute to their visionary leadership and enduring contributions to the nation.
In her messages, the chief minister said the greatness, wisdom, dedication, and vision of Quaid-e-Azam continue to inspire generations, describing him as the leader who united a divided nation and changed its destiny. She said his insight, determination, and unwavering resolve remain a guiding light for Pakistan.
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif also praised Nawaz Sharif’s statesmanship, tireless efforts, and sacrifices, noting that both leaders transformed the nation’s future through their determination and foresight. “Quaid-e-Azam created Pakistan, while Nawaz Sharif strengthened and developed it,” she said, highlighting his role in countering terrorism, overcoming economic challenges, making the country’s defence impregnable through nuclear tests, and promoting development, prosperity, and energy security.
The chief minister said the Punjab government is committed to carrying forward the legacy of Quaid-e-Azam and Nawaz Sharif, adding that all provincial decisions are guided by the founder’s principles and Nawaz Sharif’s experience. She expressed confidence that by following these ideals, Pakistan will continue to remain strong, stable, and progressive.

NA Secretariat declares public holiday on December 26

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 25 (APP): The National Assembly Secretariat on Thursday announced a public holiday on December 26, in line with a notification issued by the Cabinet Division regarding a government holiday in Islamabad.
According to a spokesperson of the National Assembly, a formal office order has been issued declaring December 26 as an official holiday at the National Assembly Secretariat.
As per the order, all activities and official business of the Secretariat will remain suspended on Friday.
The spokesperson said the holiday notification was issued after obtaining approval from the Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
Consequently, all departments of the National Assembly Secretariat will remain closed on December 26.
It was further announced that meetings of the Standing Committees and other official engagements scheduled at the National Assembly Secretariat have been postponed.
The deferred committee meetings and official matters will be rescheduled and held on new dates.
The National Assembly Secretariat has also directed all officers and staff to ensure strict compliance with the office order, the spokesperson added.

Nation celebrates Quaid-e-Azam’s birth anniversary with patriotic zeal

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 25 (APP): The nation on Thursday observed the 149th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Founder of Pakistan, with patriotic zeal, paying tribute to his visionary leadership and renewing the pledge to uphold his guiding principles of faith, unity and discipline.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, stressed the enduring relevance of Quaid-e-Azam’s leadership and called upon the nation to recommit itself to the democratic, inclusive and constitutional ideals laid down by the Founder of Pakistan.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to Quaid-e-Azam, urging citizens to follow his principles of democracy, constitutionalism, social justice and religious harmony to steer the country towards stability and progress.
Federal ministers, governors and chief ministers also issued messages highlighting Quaid-e-Azam’s historic struggle, unwavering principles and farsighted statesmanship.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Science and Technology Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi and Overseas Pakistanis Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain emphasised national unity, tolerance and adherence to constitutional values.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited Mazar-e-Quaid to pay homage, while governors of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan underscored the need to follow the Founder’s vision in letter and spirit.
The armed forces’ leadership, including Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, also paid tribute to the Father of the Nation.
Messages were also issued by the leadership of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while media outlets across the country aired special programmes highlighting Quaid-e-Azam’s role in the creation of Pakistan and the continued relevance of his ideals for national unity, peace and progress.
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