General Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), participated in Christmas celebrations at Christ Church in Rawalpindi, where he joined the Christian community.
The congregation warmly welcomed the army chief, expressing gratitude for his presence during the festive occasion. In return, COAS extended his wishes of Merry Christmas to the entire Christian community in Pakistan.
During the event, General Asim Munir emphasized the significance of promoting greater interfaith harmony in society, aligning with the true vision of a united and progressive Pakistan as envisioned by the country’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam. He highlighted that Islam teaches principles of peace, friendship, and encourages interfaith understanding, underscoring the need for these values in the current times.
General Munir stressed the importance of cultivating informed perspectives and knowledge-based opinions on national issues, cautioning against succumbing to rhetoric and propaganda. He acknowledged the challenges posed by external threats attempting to exploit religious, ethnic, and political divisions within Pakistan and urged unity to thwart such attempts.
On the occasion of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s 147th birthday, General Munir paid tribute to Jinnah’s visionary leadership. He quoted Jinnah’s historic speech on August 11, 1947, where the founder declared freedom for citizens to practice their faith freely in the newly formed State of Pakistan.
In conclusion, COAS General Asim Munir expressed gratitude for the contributions and sacrifices made by the Christian community across various fields in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for collective strength and unity to overcome challenges and build a resilient nation.
