The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized a Christmas Cake Cutting ceremony to celebrate the Christmas celebrations with the Christian community. Pastor Rizwan Khursheed, Ch. Ashraf Farzand Chairman Minority Forum of Pakistan and others were present at the occasion.
Speaking at the occasion, Muhammad Ahmed Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the Christian community was playing important role in the economic development of Pakistan, which was laudable. He said that millions of Christians around the world including Pakistan were preparing to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ who was sent to this world as a symbol of peace, brotherhood and respect for the entire humanity. He said that Jesus Christ not only healed the ailing humanity, he also preached the divine values of tolerance, love and compassion while Islam also kept these values in high esteem. He said that such events contributed to inter-faith harmony and unity in the country. He said that ICCI has formed an Inter-Faith Harmony Sub-Committee with Ch. Ashraf Farzand as its Convener to work for promoting inter-faith harmony and assured that ICCI would continue to play role for promoting the business interests of traders and industrialists of minority communities including the Christian community.
Tahir Abbasi, Senior Vice President and Saif ur Rahman Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that all minorities including Christians enjoyed equal rights in Pakistan and all should work hard for the development of our country. They wished Christian community Merry Christmas. Zubair Ahmed Malik Chairman Founder Group, Waqar Bakhtawari, Khalid Chaudhry and others lauded the positive role of Christian community in the economic growth of Pakistan and stressed for inter-faith harmony to take the country forward.
Pastor Rizwan Khursheed read the message of Jesus Christ. He said the message of Jesus Chris was conciliation, love and forgiveness for all that needed to be fully implemented for a peaceful society. He said that all communities in Pakistan have to work together for building a progressive and prosperous Pakistan. Ch. Ashraf Farzand, Convener, Inter-Faith Harmony Sub-Committee of ICCI, Mehmoob Alam, Younas Shakil, Manzoor Masih and others also spoke at the occasion. They thanked ICCI for organizing Christmas cake cutting ceremony for Christian community and assured of their full cooperation and support in ICCI initiatives aimed at promoting business interests of minorities.