PAKISTAN: The significance of Easter, which embodies timeless themes of love, sacrifice, compassion, unity, and the triumph of good over evil. Ambassador at Large for Global Peace, Human Rights & Interfaith Harmony Ambassador Imam Allama Ahsan Siddiqui, Chairman, Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony {ICPH} and Co-Chair, International Religious Freedom Roundtable for Pakistan {IRF Pakistan} joined with millions of Christian from around the world to celebrate Easter and extended felicitations to the Christian community of Pakistan and around the world, on the occasion of Easter, and commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and vowed to work for the promotion of human equality, religious tolerance and interfaith harmony.
Ambassador Allama Ahsan Siddiqui said that I wish you and your family a very Happy Easter and the main significance of Easter that the Christendom celebrate this time is that it marks the Resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his death by crucifixion. The three most significant events in it are the trial of Jesus, the death of Jesus, and finally the resurrection. Jesus Christ (A.S.) was ordained by Almighty Allah to preach love, peace, tolerance and brotherhood. He emphasized the importance of reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the enduring legacy he left for humanity. He urged people to use this occasion to renew their faith in God, unite for national and collective growth, and to support one another in upholding goodness and justice in the world.
However, He wishes to enjoin our Christian compatriots to rekindle their faith in Christ who overcame persecution, sufferings and displayed endurance, steadfastness and above all piety. He urges you to imbibe and live the values of humility, discipline, perseverance, sacrifice and obedience which Jesus Christ demonstrated during His stay on earth.
The Co-Chair, International Religious Freedom Roundtable for Pakistan Ambassador Imam Allama Ahsan Siddiqui said that Islam gives equal rights to the minorities and our Constitution grants minorities equal participation in all walks of life. He said Easter also reminds us of the teachings of Jesus Christ and his universal message of love, forgiveness, and brotherhood, which can bring harmony and peace to the world. He said Christian and Muslim religious leaders must “combine our efforts to address the scourges of society that undermine our youth, namely: the depravity of morals, drugs, organised crime, etc.
The Ambassador Allama Ahsan said the need for promoting inter-faith harmony and working hand-in-hand for the development and prosperity of the country. The rights and privileges enjoyed by all minorities in Pakistan will be fully safeguarded by the Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) and International Religious Freedom Roundtable for Pakistan according to the Constitution and guiding principles of Founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. ICPH and IRF Pakistan reiterate that the Pakistan Region will remain the land of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and tolerance among faiths, nations and communities, preserving multiculturalism and harmony in Pakistan
The ICPH Chairman Ambassador Imam Allama Ahsan Siddiqui also acknowledged and appreciated the services of Non-Muslim community’s especially Christian community in various fields including education, health, social welfare and economic development of Pakistan. He highlighted the constructive role played by the Christian community in Pakistan’s creation and development, underscoring their importance as a peaceful minority.
He praised “the noble initiative of the various religious leaders, religious scholar and community leaders, in our country, who are working tirelessly for the establishment of the Alliance of Religions for Peace in Pakistan, in order to consolidate peace and peaceful religious coexistence within. He said ICPH is proud to be an organization known for its interfaith collaborations and we’re grateful for our volunteers, staff and supporters of all faiths who make interfaith harmony possible and s desire that we all come together and take humanity to new heights where peace and justice thrives.
