Easter celebrated at Pak Embassy

F.P. Report

NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Asad Khan, underscored the need for interfaith harmony at a dinner held at the Pakistani Embassy in Washington to celebrate Easter on Saturday night.

The event was organized at the initiative of “All Neighbours International”, a Virginia-based community organization and with the support of the Embassy of Pakistan, according to a Pakistani Embassy press release.

In his remarks as the chief guest, Ambassador Khan, reflecting on the spirit of Easter celebrations, underlined that all faiths share Prophet Jesus Christ’s message of love, compassion and tolerance.

Considering the rise of exclusionist forces across the globe dividing people on `them vs us’ lines, interfaith harmony is an urgent contemporary challenge the world faces, he said.

The Ambassador informed the audience about the diversity and pluralism of Pakistan, being home to sacred places of World’s major religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism.

He reiterated the commitment of the leadership of Pakistan to protect and promote the rights of all citizens, including minorities.

Felicitating the participants on the auspicious occasion, the Ambassador appreciated the Pakistani-Christians in the tristate area for their community service.

Tom Patrick and Ilyas Masih, President and Vice President of `All Neighbours’, respectively, thanked the Ambassador for hosting the event.

Their team informed the audience about their recent visit to Pakistan and fondly shared their impressions of the land.

Religious leaders from the churches of Maryland and Virginia conveyed warm wishes of the Christian community for the people of Pakistan. Choirs also performed during the event.

The event was well attended with participation from faiths leaders, families of Pakistani American Christian community, and local public officials.