Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain attended a ceremony related to Christmas and cut a Christmas cake alongside journalists at the National Press Club in Islamabad. While addressing the event, Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain stated that both the government and all of you are playing your roles in promoting the message of religious harmony in Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan has always appreciated the contributions of its minority brothers in the country's development and has continued to provide them with opportunities to play their part in every sector. The Christian community has served Pakistan in all fields from the establishment of Pakistan to this day. Islam is a religion that champions humanity, and there is no principle or rule in this faith that contradicts the dignity of humanity, teaching kindness to every individual. Just like other social classes, minorities in an Islamic state are entitled to all these rights. Despite the passage of fourteen centuries since the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), non-Muslims have enjoyed rights protection in every Islamic government from His time until now. Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain further stated that all people living in Pakistan are like a bouquet consisting of flowers of every color. The Government of Pakistan officially celebrates various religious festivals of different beliefs, such as Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Holi, Baisakhi, and the birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak. Throughout the year, it also organizes interfaith harmony conferences at various locations, where people of all beliefs come together to promote unity and solidarity, so that religious harmony can be strengthened in the country. In response to the demands of the Christian community, a recent bill was approved amending the Christian Marriage Act of 1872. The Ministry of Religious Affairs provides financial assistance to deserving minority individuals every year, scholarships for their children from primary to professional levels, supplies for health and education, sewing machines for women, laptops for students, and funding for the beautification of places of worship.For the first time in Pakistan, religious harmony conferences were held at the Badshahi Mosque and St. Patrick's Cathedral Church in Karachi to promote religious freedom and interfaith harmony. Every year, financial assistance is provided to journalists associated with the Christian community during Christmas. Promoting interfaith harmony can only be achieved by fostering feelings of love, equality, tolerance, and acceptance in our society. I assure you that the Government of Pakistan will take all necessary measures to protect the rights of minorities. I thank all of you and wish the Christian community a Merry Christmas 2024 and a Happy New Year.
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