Farzana Mansoor
ABU DHABI: Pakistan Embassy Abu Dhabi hosted a Christmas Day celebration at the Embassy premises .In which General Secretary Pakistan Minority Rights Commission Roheel Zafar Shahi, Pastor Nasir Taj, Pastor Akhtar Masih, priests of various churches and a large number of Pakistani Christian community and media representatives living in UAE participated.
It was recalled that 25 December had a special significance as it also marked the birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Addressing the gathering Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmzi highlighted that the constitution of Pakistan, in line with the Quaid’s vision, enshrines freedom and safeguards for all communities living in Pakistan. The Government’s policies are geared towards empowering the minority communities to play their role in national life as equal citizens and fostering interfaith harmony. He appreciated the services of the Christian community living in Pakistan in education and medical sector and other government and non-government sectors.
He recalled the contribution of Justice A.R. Cornelius, Col S.K Tressler, F.E Chaudhry and other successful member of Pakistani community and lauded their contribution towards Pakistan’s progress and development.
“Jesus Christ is equally revered by both Christians and Muslims and his teachings of love, peace and tolerance are a beacon of light not only for Christian community but also for the whole humanity. There is utmost need today to embrace and implement the message of love and tolerance for a peaceful world”, said Ambassador Tirmizi.
In his message, he said that the services of the Christian community for Pakistan do not need any praise. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi appreciated this special effort of Roheel Shahi and assured that such programs will be organized by the Embassy in the future. He said that these are very happy moments for us to celebrate this happy day together.
Roheell Zafar Shahi Secretary General PMRC also expressed his gratitude to the participants from the Embassy officials, UAE and all the attendees.
Roheel Zafar Shahi further said that a positive image of Pakistan will be given to the world through such ceremonies and on this occasion we are ready to sacrifice our lives for our country when Pakistan needs us. Surely love, brotherhood and peace will be promoted through this program.
At the end of the ceremony together with Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, the Christmas cake was cut and food was served.