Rawalpindi: Annual Christmas Interfaith Harmony Get-together 2025

Rawalpindi: Annual Christmas Interfaith Harmony Get-together 2025

Under the auspices of the Islamabad–Rawalpindi Diocese, a dignified and purposeful Interfaith Christmas ceremony was held in Rawalpindi under the patronage of the Most Reverend Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad, Archbishop of Islamabad–Rawalpindi Diocese.

 
The ceremony formally began with a prayer led by Reverend Father Kamran Daniel, followed by a soulful recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Maulana Hafiz Iqbal Rizvi. This spiritual opening created a beautiful atmosphere of interfaith respect, tolerance, and harmony, setting the tone for the entire gathering.

The proceedings of the event were gracefully conducted by Reverend Father Sabir and Babu Sajid Amin, who managed the program with great professionalism and ensured smooth coordination and arrangements for all participants.

In his keynote address, Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad highlighted that Christmas carries a universal message of love, peace, reconciliation, and hope. He said that through the birth of Lord Jesus Christ, God’s divine love was revealed to humanity. Christmas, he emphasized, teaches us that regardless of religious differences, humanity must be united through love, forgiveness, mutual respect, and service to one another.

Quoting the Holy Scripture, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” the Archbishop explained that God’s love was manifested in a practical and living way among human beings. This divine love, he said, calls us to build a society based on justice, peace, and freedom from hatred.

He further shared that the Catholic Church is observing the year 2025 as a Jubilee Year under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” In this context, he urged all communities to actively promote hope, justice, and peace in a world currently facing wars, conflicts, political instability, violence, and the growing challenges of climate change.

Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad also drew attention to the fact that many people, both globally and within Pakistan, lack access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, healthcare, and safe shelter. These deprivations, he said, give rise to uncertainty and despair. Therefore, strengthening the spirit of hope and becoming builders of peace and fraternity is the urgent need of the time.

He called upon the Government of Pakistan, the armed forces, social organizations, and compassionate citizens to work together for human welfare and national development. Special prayers were offered for the victims of wars and conflicts around the world, as well as for those suffering from poverty, hunger, illness, displacement, and social marginalization.

Punjab Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, along with other distinguished guests, extended heartfelt Christmas greetings to the Christian community. They emphasized that such interfaith gatherings are the need of the hour and play a vital role in promoting religious harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence in Pakistan.

Leaders from Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Christian communities also addressed the gathering, reaffirming their commitment to interfaith harmony and religious tolerance. They stated that people of different faiths coming together on one platform reflects Pakistan’s true spirit as a country that values peace, brotherhood, and shared human values.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad offered prayers for the security, progress, and prosperity of Pakistan. He urged everyone to renew their commitment to promoting human dignity, unity, and brotherhood in society. Extending warm Christmas greetings to all citizens, he prayed that God may bless everyone with peace, hope, and abundant blessings.