Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Interfaith Harmony and Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, while wishing the Christian community on Christmas, said that the Constitution of Pakistan gives equal rights to the followers of all religions.Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi arrived at the Holy Trinity Cathedral on the occasion of Christmas where he was received by the Bishop of Karachi and Balochistan Diocese Fredrick John. Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council said that the protection of all law abiding citizens is the responsibility of the state. Pakistan is a Muslim-majority country but Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and followers of other faiths have complete freedom of worship.
He emphasized that terrorists will not be allowed to oppress followers of any religion or sect in the name of Islam. Forced marriages and forced conversion to Islam is against Islamic teachings.
Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that we should remember the teachings of tolerance by Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH), Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made an agreement with the Christians of Najran, the Christians were allowed to worship in the Masjid-e-Nabvi.
SAPM expressed his grief over Jaranwala incident and told media that he went to every church and apologized, the anti-Pakistan forces had tried to create a religious riot in Sargodha as well which was foiled by the Ulema and the President of the Church of Pakistan. Delivering a special message on the occasion of Christmas, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that citizens belonging to all religions are united for Pakistan’s progress, peace, stability and harmony. He also announced an Interfaith Harmony Conference to be held in January.
Bishop Frederick John said that he is grateful to brother Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi for joining us in celebrating Christmas, his presence is a proof of inter-faith harmony and a source of happiness for Pakistani Christians.At the end of the press talk, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi and Bishop Frederick John cut the Christmas cake.
