LAHORE, December 15: The annual Christmas ceremony was held at Naulakha Presbyterian Church, Lahore, in an atmosphere of devotion, enthusiasm and interfaith harmony under the patronage of Rev. Dr. Majid Abel. The event was attended by Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Punjab Ramesh Singh Arora, parliamentary secretary HR Sonia Asher.
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Ameer jamate Islami, former Senator Kamran Michael, along with several other prominent personalities and moderators of Presbyterian church . Welcoming the distinguished guests, Rev. Dr. Majid Abel said that the gathering of people from different faiths and communities under one roof truly reflects the spirit of Christmas. He emphasized the importance of unity, love and mutual respect in society. Addressing the ceremony, Provincial Minister Ramesh Singh Arora said that Christmas conveys a powerful message of joy, sharing, reflection and love for humanity. He stated that, on the special directives of the Chief Minister Punjab, the Punjab Government has, for the first time, organized a series of province-wide events to make Christmas historic and memorable.
He added that the celebrations formally began with an interfaith Christmas tour on double-decker buses, during which people belonging to different religions toured Lahore and spread messages of love, tolerance and unity. The Provincial Minister announced that, as a special Christmas gift from the Chief Minister Punjab, the number of Minority Cards has been increased to one hundred thousand, which will further strengthen the welfare and empowerment of the Christian community.
Sonia Asher reaffirmed that the Punjab Government is taking concrete measures to safeguard minority rights and to promote education, health, employment and social protection, adding that minority communities are equal partners in the development of Punjab.
Ameer jamate Islami and Ramzan Sualvi in their addresses said that the message of peace, tolerance and compassion is common to all divine religions. the teachings of the Islam also emphasize peace, tolerance and respect for humanity, which are fully in harmony with the message of Christmas.
Former senator Kamran Michael highlighted the historic role of the Christian community in the creation and development of Pakistan, stating that Christians have always remained an integral and bright part of Pakistan’s multicultural society.
Shahid Rehamt, Javed Williams in their brief remarks, appreciated the Punjab Government’s initiatives for promoting interfaith harmony, protecting constitutional rights and ensuring the welfare of minority communities.
The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion, with colorful lights, festive décor and a Christmas tree enhancing the celebratory spirit. religious songs reflecting the true essence of Christmas, were presented, conveying messages of peace, love and unity. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Provincial Minister Ramesh Singh Arora, along with elders of the Christian community and other participants, cut the Christmas cake and extended heartfelt Christmas greetings, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s full support to the Christian community.
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