Islamabad, December 25,2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that Pakistan’s Christian community, which is celebrating Christmas today, is an integral part of the country’s national fabric, praising its historic contributions to national development and sacrifices for the country.
In his Christmas message shared on social media platform X, the prime minister said, “Pakistan’s Christian community forms an integral part of our national fabric. Their enduring contributions to education, healthcare, and social welfare, and their sacrifices alongside the nation in the fight against terrorism, are deeply valued and a source of collective pride.”
He extended his warmest greetings to Christians around the world, especially to “our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan,” expressing hope that the festive season would strengthen harmony and bring peace, hope, and prosperity to all.
In a separate statement carried by state-run APP, Prime Minister Shehbaz said Christmas conveys a universal message of love, peace, tolerance, and goodwill for all humanity. He highlighted that the Christian community in Pakistan is an active, positive, and peaceful segment of society that has rendered commendable services in education, healthcare, and other sectors, contributing significantly to social harmony and national development.
The prime minister said ensuring equal rights, freedoms, economic well-being, and equal opportunities for all citizens without discrimination remains among the government’s top priorities. He urged people of all faiths to work together for a strong, secure, and prosperous Pakistan.
Speaking at a Christmas ceremony in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz paid tribute to the “valuable and historic” role of Pakistan’s minorities, particularly the Christian community, in the country’s progress since independence. He recalled prominent Christian figures such as Justice Alvin Robert Cornelius, Dr Ruth Pfau, and Air Commodore (retd) Cecil Chaudhry, noting Chaudhry’s heroic role in the 1965 war with India.
The prime minister also referred to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a Pakistan where all citizens are free to practice their faith without fear, saying these ideals are enshrined in the Constitution. He lauded Christian members of the armed forces who laid down their lives for the country, particularly Sepoy Haroon William, who embraced martyrdom in Kurram district last year.
“I assure you that this country belongs to all of us. We all have equal rights here,” the prime minister said, adding that any injustice against minorities—Christians, Hindus, Parsis, or Sikhs—would not be tolerated and would be dealt with under the law.
President Zardari’s message
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari also extended Christmas greetings to Christians in Pakistan and across the world. In his message, he said Christmas is a time of hope, peace, and compassion, and its message of love and service to humanity reflects values that unite all people.
Recalling Quaid-i-Azam’s historic address to the first Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, the president quoted the founder of the nation as saying: “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan.”
President Zardari said these words remain a powerful commitment to religious freedom and mutual respect. He highlighted the significant contributions of Christian citizens to politics, national defence, education, arts, literature, healthcare, social welfare, and public service, noting that their efforts enrich Pakistan’s national life.
He reaffirmed that the Constitution guarantees equal rights and freedom of religion for all citizens and emphasised the need to foster harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence. “Our diversity is a source of strength,” he said.
COAS joins Christmas celebrations
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir joined Christmas celebrations at Christ Church in Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
According to the military’s media wing, the Field Marshal extended heartfelt Christmas greetings and best wishes for peace, harmony, and prosperity to the Christian community, while also paying tribute to Quaid-i-Azam on his birth anniversary.
He highlighted the founder’s vision of equality, freedom, and religious tolerance, stressing that the protection of minority rights is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s ideology. Field Marshal Munir also interacted with members of the congregation and acknowledged the proud and distinguished service of Pakistani Christians in national development and the armed forces.
Emphasising interfaith harmony and unity, he said Pakistan’s strength lies in its diversity and shared constitutional values beyond religion, ethnicity, caste, and creed. He reaffirmed the armed forces’ commitment to upholding the dignity, security, and equal rights of all citizens.
ISPR said Christian community leaders expressed gratitude for the Field Marshal’s visit, acknowledging the armed forces’ role in safeguarding national unity, inclusivity, and religious harmony. The armed forces also separately extended heartfelt Christmas greetings to the Christian community, reaffirming their commitment to Quaid-i-Azam’s vision of equal rights and religious freedom for all.
