RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, addressing a ceremony at Christ Church in Rawalpindi to mark Christmas celebrations, emphasized the importance of unity and interfaith harmony in the face of challenges posed by enemies exploiting religious, ethnic, and political vulnerabilities.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) released a statement quoting the army chief, who extended warm wishes for Merry Christmas to the Christian community present at the ceremony. General Munir acknowledged the warm welcome from the congregation and expressed his reverence for the religious community.
In line with Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a united and progressive Pakistan, the COAS stressed the need for greater interfaith harmony in society. He highlighted that Islam teaches the values of peace, friendship, and encourages interfaith harmony, which he deemed essential in the current circumstances.
General Munir emphasized the significance of adopting a correct perspective, relying on truth and knowledge-based opinions to address complex national challenges, rather than succumbing to rhetoric and propaganda. He underscored the relentless efforts of adversaries seeking to exploit religious, ethnic, and political fault lines within Pakistan.
“We have to stand together [and] united to rise as a resolute and strong nation,” asserted COAS General Syed Asim Munir.
On the occasion of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s 147th birthday, the army chief paid glowing tribute to Jinnah’s vision and leadership. He quoted Jinnah’s historic remarks from his speech on August 11, 1947, to the Constituent Assembly, reinforcing the message of freedom to worship for all citizens.
Furthermore, General Munir took a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions and sacrifices made by the entire Christian community in Pakistan across various fields and domains. The ceremony at Christ Church became a platform not only for Christmas celebrations but also for promoting national unity and interfaith understanding in line with the foundational principles of Pakistan.
