Islamabad - Former President Asif Ali Zardari has greeted Christian Community on the eve of Christmas.
“I wish to felicitate Christians all over the world, particularly our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan, on the auspicious occasion of Christmas,” said the PPP Co-Chairman in his message.
“The Christmas celebrations this year have arrived at a sombre time when the entire nation is grieved over the most barbaric, callous and inhuman mayhem in a school in Peshawar resulting in the martyrdom of over 130 innocent children, faculty members and many others. Let me also reiterate our pledge that the PPP will continue to uphold the right of the Christians, indeed of all non-Muslims, to be treated as equal citizens of the state and allowed to partake in its development on an equal footing and irrespective of the consideration of cast, creed and colour,” he said.  Understandably, the traditional festivities, celebrations and rejoicing on this occasion will be subdued this year because of this indescribable cruelty and inhumanity. Jesus Christ (May Allah be pleased with him) always extended the message of love, forgiveness and brotherhood and it is a torment for us all that in a week leading up to Christmas, the barbarians assassinated innocent children who were seeking nothing else but education for enlightenment and progress, he added.
On this occasion he also wished to acknowledge with deep appreciation, the great contributions of the Christian community towards the development and well being of Pakistan. The former president stated that as a deeply law-abiding and loyal community, the Christians have earned the admiration of the nation. He further stated that he is confident that they will continue to play their positive and constructive role in the society and the need for inculcating the values of love, forgiveness and reconciliation has never been as great as it is today, the former president added in the message.