Pakistani Christian Community Plays Vital Role In Socio-economic Development: Fahmida

Pakistani Christian community plays vital role in socio-economic development: Fahmida

ISLAMABAD, Dec 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Dec, 2018 ) :Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Dr Fahmida Mirza Friday said the Christian community of Pakistan had always played a vital role towards the progress and prosperity of the country.

She stated this while addressing the merry Christmas and happy New Year celebrations organized by Pakistan Christian Forum (PCF).

Fahmida Mirza said the government acknowledges the services of all citizens regardless of religions, ethnicity and race.

She said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led government was determined to promote diversity and safeguard the rights of all Pakistanis.

The core teachings of all religions emphasizes on compassion, love and peace, she said and added that all the citizens should had promote co-existence and tolerance.

She said no society could progress without interfaith harmony and cooperation, adding that faith was close to everyone heart and we must look for commonality rather than differences.

The interfaith dialogue could lead to reflective collaboration on moral issues faced by the country, she added.

She recalled that Christian community had also played a significant role in the Pakistan movement. She further said that All India Christian Association extended their support to Quaid-e-Azam and his vision of a separate nation. She said that the founder of Pakistan had also envisioned a state where minorities' rights would be protected and all citizens would practice their religion in harmony.

The contributions of Dr Ruth Pfau could not be forgotten, who spent 55 years of her life fighting leprosy in Pakistan and managed to establish 157 clinics across Pakistan, she told.

She informed that the judicial history of Pakistan was indebted to the 4th chief justice of Pakistan Alvin Cornelius, Dorab Patel and justice Rana Bhagwandas .

The minister said the Prime Minister Imran Khan had once again set a vision of one and united Pakistan. Fahmida said the steps were being taken by the government shows his commitment and iterate the message of peace and cooperation.

The minister said the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor with India was a testimony to this belief, adding that this rout would enable the Sikh community to travel freely to their places of reverence.

She further said it was indeed a great step forward in bridging the gap and building relations on the eastern border.

She expressed the hope that the message of goodwill be reciprocated from across the border. Fahmida mirza said that the Christian brothers and sisters would continue to serve their motherland with the same vigor, dedication and devotion.

There was equality in Pakistan for every religion in the country, she said. Democracy was the only way towards enlightenment, moderation and reconciliation, she concluded.