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PAKISTAN BELONGS EQUALLY TO ALL REGARDLESS OF FAITH AS NATION MARKS QUAID’S BIRTHDAY Friday, 26 December, 2025 | 5 Rajabul Murajjab, 1447
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PM, PRESIDENT REAFFIRM PAKISTAN’S COMMITMENT TO PROTECTION OF LIFE, PROPERTY, AND RELIGIOUS DIGNITY FOR ALL CITIZENS
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ISLAMABAD
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PM SHEHBAZ ADDRESSES CHRISTMAS CEREMONY, HIGHLIGHTS JESUS CHRIST’S TEACHINGS OF PEACE AND COMPASSION
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TRIBUTE PAID TO CHRISTIAN LEADERS INCLUDING JUSTICE A.R. CORNELIUS, AIR COMMODORE CECIL CHAUDHRY, AND DR. RUTH PFAU
SaleeM Jadoon
RIME MINISTER Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of minorities, declaring that Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens, regardless of faith. His remarks came during a Christmas ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s Office, coinciding with the nation’s observance of the 149th birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Founder of Pakistan. Addressing the event, the prime minister highlighted the teachings of Jesus Christ (Hazrat Isa AS), describing him as a symbol of peace, compassion, and service to humanity. He said the message of love, justice, and tolerance preached
by Jesus Christ remains deeply relevant today and aligns with the core principles of Islam and Pakistan’s founding vision. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the Christian community’s historic and ongoing contributions to Pakistan, particularly in education,
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rosy, and Haroon William (Shaheed) for his ultimate sacrifice in protecting the country. Referring to the vision of Quaid-iAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the prime minister underscored that the founder guaranteed full religious freedom and equal legal rights for all citizens, including the freedom to worship without fear in churches, temples, gurdwaras, and mosques. He emphasised that these principles are enshrined in the Constitution and remain central to the state’s policies. PM Shehbaz assured the Christian community that the government would not tolerate any form of injustice, discrimination, or violence against minorities. “Whether Christian, Hindu, or Sikh, no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” he said, pledging protection of life, property, and religious dignity for all Pakistanis.
ISLAMABAD
extent, effectively countered New Delhi’s advancements despite economic challenges at home,” the publication noted. Following the confrontation, Islamabad witnessed a noticeable warming of ties with Washington, while New Delhi’s relations with the United States reportedly faced strain. Pakistan also strengthened defence cooperation in the Middle East, formalising a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia.
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healthcare, defence, and the justice system. He acknowledged prominent figures including Justice A.R. Cornelius for strengthening the judiciary, Air Commodore Cecil Chaudhry (Shaheed) for his valour in defence, Dr Ruth Pfau for her humanitarian work against lep-
Pakistan re-emerged as a key player on the global stage in 2025, with its strategic and military credibility gaining international recognition, even as political instability and economic pressures continued at home. Analysts in international publications such as Foreign Policy and The Diplomat highlighted Pakistan’s enhanced global profile following intense military
clashes with India in May and its active diplomatic engagements in regional and international affairs. The turning point came during a brief but intense four-day military clash with India in May, which underscored Pakistan’s air power capabilities and reinforced its strategic standing worldwide, according to The Diplomat. “For militaries across the world, this demonstrated that Pakistan’s armed forces had not only kept pace with India’s military modernisation but, to an
RAWALPINDI
Staff RepoRt
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Thursday received Major General Yousef Ahmed Al Huneiti, Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff, at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing military and bilateral cooperation, according to the military’s media wing. According to a statement by the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR), the two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest and regional security dynamics. “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening defence ties with Jordan and emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to address evolving security challenges,” the ISPR said. The visiting dignitary, Maj Gen Al-Huneiti, appreciated the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and lauded their contributions towards regional peace and stability. The meeting concluded with a shared resolve between Field Marshal Munir and Maj Gen Al-Huneiti to deepen military cooperation between the two brotherly countries. This follows earlier interactions, including a meeting on November 16, when Field Marshal Munir reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing military-to-military cooperation with Jordan and jointly realising a vision of a stable and peaceful region. During an official visit by Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, the army chief highlighted the “strong defence partnership” between Pakistan and the Hashemite Kingdom. On October 23, King Abdullah II lauded the Pakistan military’s contributions to regional peace and security during a meeting with Field Marshal Munir in Jordan.
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Pakistan emerges as key global player in 2025 after May clashes with India MonitoRing RepoRt
Pakistan, Jordan reaffirm commitment to enhancing military, bilateral cooperation