KARACHI, Dec 27: Minorities living in Pakistan, especially Christian community, should raise voice against cruelties against oppressed people of Palestine, Kashmir, Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world. This was observed by Jamat-i-Islami (JI) leaders, MNAs, MPAs and Senators at a reception hosted by them in honour of local Christian community leaders, priests and nuns in connection with Christmas at a local hotel.

The ceremony was addressed by JI Karachi Amir Dr Merajul Huda Siddiqui, MNA Mohammad Hussain Mehnti, MPA Nasarullah Shajee, Muslim Pervez, Pastor George Leo, Arthur Saleem, Bishop Aijaz Inayat, Pastor Herig Sarwar, Sister Helen Harmis, Elvin Jhon Bhatti, Younus Sohan Advocate and others.

Christian community representatives, priests and nuns paid tribute to JI for hosting the reception in the honour of local Christians on the eve of Christmas and termed it a healthy effort to promote inter-faith dialogue and build trust between majority Muslims and minorities in Pakistan.

Priest Sardar Masih said minorities living in Pakistan wanted equal opportunities and religious freedom in Pakistan but they could never think of going against Pakistan and its security.

He said that the Christian community living in all parts of the country took part in relief activities in the wake of Oct 8 earthquake in NWFP and Azad Kashmir and helped quake victims without any discrimination and prejudice.

JI Karachi Amir Dr Merajul Huda Siddiqui said the JI had organized the ceremony to listen to views of Christian community in Pakistan and apprise them of opinion of Muslims and said poverty, illiteracy and diseases were major issues facing Pakistan, which needs immediate attention of all communities.

Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) MNA Mohammad Hussain Mehnti and Visiting Christian Priest from Singapore Pastor George Leo also spoke.

Later, both JI and Christian leaders presented gifts to each other and exchanged Christmas greetings.—PPI