Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi visited Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Islamabad’s F-8 sector on Thursday to participate in Christmas celebrations and extend heartfelt greetings to the Christian community.
During the ceremony, Naqvi joined Archbishop Joseph Arshad and church members in cutting the Christmas cake and lighting a candle of peace. He also attended prayers, enjoyed performances by children, and acknowledged the importance of love, brotherhood, and unity during the festive season.
Addressing the congregation, Naqvi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equality and protection for followers of all religions. He emphasized that religious harmony and mutual respect are essential for a strong, progressive Pakistan, noting that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned equal rights for all communities in the country.
The interior minister praised the Christian community for its valuable contributions to education, health, defence, social services, and nation-building. He described their role as exemplary, highlighting their dedication to national unity and rule of law even during challenging times.
Naqvi also assured that robust security arrangements had been put in place nationwide to ensure safe and peaceful Christmas celebrations. He called on all Pakistanis to uphold the values of love, compassion, and respect taught by Hazrat Isa (AS), emphasizing that his message is universal and intended for all humanity.
The event was attended by senior officials, including the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, the Inspector General of Islamabad Police, and district administration representatives, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting religious tolerance and inclusive celebrations.
