A grand Christmas dinner was hosted by No Lakha Presbyterian Church on Sunday, marking a vibrant and joyful celebration.
Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora, attended the event as the special guest, alongside other prominent dignitaries. The occasion brought together people from different faiths, backgrounds, and nationalities, symbolizing the spirit of unity and harmony that Christmas represents.
Rev. Dr. Majid Abel, the head of the church, warmly welcomed the guests and expressed his gratitude for their participation in the celebration.
He emphasized that this coming together of diverse communities is what makes the Christmas celebration truly special. He highlighted the importance of unity and harmony, encouraging attendees to embrace the joy of the season and spread kindness and goodwill.
In his address, Provincial Minister Ramesh Singh Arora said, “Christmas is a time of happiness, celebration, sharing, and remembrance. More importantly, it reminds us of the message of Jesus Christ – a message of peace, tolerance, and compassion for everyone around the world. This celebration is not just about marking an occasion, but about promoting values that transcend all boundaries. By celebrating diversity, we promote harmony and tolerance, as this is the very essence of our modern societies and the global community.”
Chairman of the Kul Masalic Board, Maulana Asim Makhdoom, also spoke at the event and echoed the universal message of peace, which is shared across all divine religions, including Islam. He remarked that the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reflect the same values of peace, tolerance, and compassion that are celebrated during Christmas. He emphasized that this message remains as relevant and important for all of humanity today as it ever has been.
Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights and Minority Affairs, Sonia Asher, expressed her commitment to promoting harmony and ensuring fundamental rights and equal opportunities for all Pakistanis, in line with the vision of the nation’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. “We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive society where every citizen, regardless of their background, has equal rights and opportunities,” she said.
Former Minister Ijaz Alam Augustine acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Christian community in the establishment of Pakistan in 1947 and their continued role in nation-building. He stressed that the Christian community is, and always will be, an essential and integral part of Pakistan’s multicultural society.
Col MacDonald, Syed Mahmood Ghaznavi, president Faces Pakistan Javed William, father James Chanan also shared their thoughts during the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of promoting inter-religious and intercultural dialogue, understanding, and cooperation for peace.
The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion, added to the festive atmosphere. Colorful lights, sparkling decorations, and a beautifully adorned Christmas tree filled the venue with joy and warmth, creating the perfect setting for this joyous occasion.
The event also featured delightful performances, including skits and songs by members of the Christian community, showcasing the rich cultural and religious traditions associated with Christmas. These performances added a festive touch, with songs of peace, love, and unity that resonated deeply with the audience. At the conclusion of the event, Provincial Minister Ramesh Singh Arora, along with members of the Christian community, cut a Christmas cake, symbolizing the spirit of celebration and unity.
The grand Christmas dinner was attended by a large number of families from the Christian community, as well as people from various walks of life, further reflecting the inclusive spirit of the event.
