25 December 2004	Saturday	12 Ziqa'ad 1425

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 24: President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday greeted Pakistani Christians on Christmas and stressed the need for removing distrust and pledged to safeguard minorities' rights.

Greeting Christians on Christmas, they said that the message of Jesus was one of love, peace, equality and social justice. President Musharraf said that there was an urgent need in the world for removing distrust and misunderstandings among the followers of different religions besides fostering greater understanding.

"It is incumbent upon us to practice the spirit of peace, love and brotherhood, which are common to not only Christianity and Islam but to all religions of the world," President Musharraf said.

Pakistan, he said, had initiated a dialogue with world powers for the resolution of political disputes, forming the root-cause of extremism, with justice and equity.

The government, he said, was making efforts to create a congenial environment in the country, enabling all segments of the society to live in peace, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

Acknowledging the patriotism and tremendous contributions made by the Pakistani Christians for the country, President Musharraf reiterated the government's commitment to uphold the rights of minorities as enshrined in Islam and the Constitution.

Prime Minister Aziz separately extended greetings to Christians and reiterated that rights and privileges of the country's minorities would be fully safeguarded. Highlighting various aspects of Jesus life, he said that he strived for the "elimination of distinction between the high and the low, the rich and the poor, the haves and have nots; principles which we all admire".

"On this happy day, I reiterate that the rights and privileges enjoyed by all minorities in Pakistan are being fully safeguarded by the government according to the Constitution and on the guiding principles of the Father of the Nation," he added. He wished a very happy Christmas to all Christians of the world, especially those living in Pakistan. -APP