In line with its traditions, a special ceremony was held at the Embassy of
Pakistan in Washington, D.C., to celebrate Christmas, underscoring Pakistan's
commitment to interfaith harmony and cultural diversity.
During the ceremony, a Christmas cake was cut, and gifts were presented to the
Christian staff members in appreciation of their dedicated service.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh highlighted the
importance of religious tolerance and coexistence.
“Pakistan is a multicultural, multilingual, and multi-ethnic society. It is a place
whose socio-cultural, religious, and other traditions have been nurtured and matured
over millennia,” said the Ambassador.
We have learned through history that building identities and interactions on
commonalities rather than differences will not only stand us in good stead today but will
also sustain harmony and interfaith coexistence from a futuristic standpoint, he
continued.
“Respect for all religions and sharing in one another’s joy strengthens the bonds
of humanity,” stated the Ambassador.
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He said that Christmas is not just a happy occasion for the followers of
Christianity; it is a joyous occasion for people all around the world.
We Muslims believe that Christ was a prophet among the chosen messengers of
God, one who merited the grace and respect of a revealed scripture.
The Ambassador said that the UN resolutions on interfaith harmony represented
global consensus on interfaith harmony and on discouraging incitement to hatred within
the universally accepted human rights framework.
“We wish our Christian brethren a joyous and festive celebration,” the
Ambassador said in his message.
“I wish the New Year 2026 brings peace, progress, and prosperity to the entire
world, and that the spirit of Christmas is cherished by mankind not only in 2026 but
throughout the months and years ahead,” he concluded.
Merry Christmas!”
