A 13-member delegation representing the Christian community, with Dr. Azad Marshall, President Bishops of the Church of Pakistan and Bishop of Raiwand, at the helm, met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Monday.
The meeting covered a broad spectrum of topics, including the contributions of the Christian community to Pakistan’s development and the vital role of interfaith harmony in the nation’s society.
According to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Munir took the opportunity to laud the Christian community for their significant contributions to the country’s progress. He particularly highlighted their roles in advancing quality education, healthcare, and philanthropy. General Munir emphasized that these endeavors had not only improved the quality of life for numerous Pakistanis but also bolstered the nation’s overall defense.
The COAS expressed deep admiration for the Christian community and stressed the importance of fostering increased interfaith harmony within Pakistan. He reiterated the significance of upholding the genuine vision of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who envisioned a united and progressive nation where individuals of all faiths coexist harmoniously.
General Munir underlined that Islam promotes peace and condemns intolerance and extremism, both in religion and society at large. He firmly stated, "In a civilized society, no one can be allowed to take the law into their own hands.”
Members of the Christian community present at the meeting acknowledged the military’s efforts in countering terrorism and creating a secure environment for minorities in Pakistan. They commended the army chief’s outreach as an inspirational gesture for Pakistani minorities, encouraging them to play a more active role in the nation’s development and to maintain faith in a cohesive and tolerant society.
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