Birmingham: The traditional Christmas dinner was hosted at the Pakistan High Commission London last evening with Rt. Rev. Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guilford as the Chief Guest.
Rt. Honourable Patricia Scotland, Secretary General Commonwealth; Rt. Reverend Bishop Michael Nazir Ali; Dr James Shera; Christian and Muslim religious leaders; and British Pakistani Christian community attended the reception.
In his address on the occasion, High Commissioner Moazzam Ahmad Khan said that Christmas was a day of soul searching, reflection, and introspection. He said Jesus’s message of love and sacrifice has universal resonance and belief in all Prophets and respect for them is a fundamental tenet of Islamic faith. The High Commissioner said there was a need for the spirit of solidarity, oneness, piety and compassion to animate humankind’s approach and outlook towards one another.
The High Commissioner appreciated the heroic role of the Christian community in the creation of Pakistan and then their subsequent contributions in its social sector development as evident in the building of educational institutions, hospitals and health facilities throughout the country. He reiterated that safeguarding minority rights was part of Pakistan’s foundational ethos, and the Government of Pakistan was fully committed to fulfilling its responsibilities in that regard.
The High Commissioner recalled that on Christmas Day, the Pakistanis also celebrate the birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, reaffirming our commitment to his vision for a democratic polity, where all citizens enjoyed equal rights, regardless of their race, religion and creed.
Appreciating the UK’s government and its people for their flood aid for Pakistan, the High Commissioner briefed the guests about the devastation caused by the floods in the country and called for global support to rebuild climate resilient infrastructure for the flood victims.
The speakers shed light on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. They emphasized on promoting interfaith harmony and dialogue among civilizations for universal brotherhood and peaceful co-existence. The speakers also appreciated the vision of the Quaid-i-Azam for an inclusive and plural Pakistan.
Several Choirs from various churches sang Christmas Carols which added to the joy and festivity of celebration.
