Dr Alvi’s Firm Stand for Equal Rights of All Citizens
APP
Islamabad: President Dr Arif Alvi reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring peace, tranquilly, and equal rights for all citizens, echoing Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s Islamic teachings enshrined in Pakistan’s Constitution.
Dr Arif Alvi said that being an Islamic welfare state, it was their duty to safeguard the basic rights of all religious minorities and reassure them that their rights would be completely protected at all costs, as successive governments had been making strenuous efforts in this regard.
Addressing a ceremony held here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in connection with the celebrations of Christmas, the president said Prophet Isa (AS) was an embodiment of peace and affection, and these values were much needed in today’s world, shaken by strife, conflicts, and wars.
He said that the teachings of Islam as well as those of almost all religions placed emphasis on the value of human life, and when its value was reduced, it gave rise to conflicts. “Wars and carnage are no solutions. My message to the world is that wars must end,” he stressed.
The ceremony was arranged by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and interfaith harmony was attended by parliamentarians, religious leaders, members of different faiths, members of the diplomatic corps, and a large number of Christian families.
The president, referring to the atrocities in Gaza, said that contrary to the religious teachings of peace and tolerance, the scenes in the world were topsy-turvy. About 19,000 precious human lives in Gaza had been lost, but the human hearts had not melted, he added.
He opined that despite the United Nations calling for an immediate ceasefire and a denunciation by the Pope himself, the carnage of Palestinians, including Christians, continued where churches and mosques were razed to the ground.
The enlightened world advocating the tenets of democratic values was so oblivious to the humanitarian woes in the conflict, he added.
He said that when the Pakistan Resolution was passed in 1940, a simultaneous resolution over Palestine was also adopted, and he reaffirmed that the two-state solution was the only solution to the issue.
The president said in Pakistan, all communities were enjoying equal rights and living with peace, which was ‘a beautiful banquet’ of interfaith harmony and unity. Recalling the tragic Jaranwala incident, he said whenever an incident involving religious minorities surfaced, the governments immediately responded and also commended the judiciary for playing a significant role in ensuring their rights.
He said the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the Caliphs also repeatedly advised and acted for the protection of rights, places of worship, and lives of the followers of other faiths.
Moreover, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of the nation, stressed in his historic and memorable speech of August 11, 1947, that everyone, irrespective of colour, creed, and religion, would have equal rights, privileges, and obligations, besides complete religious freedom, in the new state of Pakistan.
He also appreciated the contributions of religious minorities to the social and economic uplift of the country.
Citing treatment meted out to minorities, including Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs in India, he said an archbishop in Manipur had claimed that about 150 churches were burned down, which was given the colour of tribal conflict to divert attention from the plight of minorities.
President Alvi said Hazrat Isa (AS) served the ailing and miserable humanity and spread the divine message of peace, empathy, and affection among human beings, and the observance of the day reinforced that message.
Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed said that all the Prophets spread the message of peace, equality, and tolerance.
He urged the religious leaders to spread the message of peace and love in the world, adding that the white colour in the national flag of Pakistan declared that the country could not be completed without their religious minorities.
Archbishop of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Dr. Joseph Arshad, said that there was a need to reinforce the spiritual message of peace, affection, and interfaith harmony as spread by Hazrat Isa (AS).
He said Christians and all other religious communities would continue to play a role in the progress and prosperity of the country.
Bishop of Lahore Diocese Nadeem Kamran, in his remarks, said that the joyous day reminded them to further foster brotherhood, affection, and unity among their ranks and appreciated the Muslims and the government for taking steps to protect their equal rights in Pakistan.
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