Sharif greets people ahead of Christmas

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today used the lyrics of a song from Bollywood legend Raj Kapoor's film "Chhalia" to spread the message of peace and greet people ahead of Christmas.
"Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Isai, sabko mera salam," said Sharif as he attended a ceremony at the Governor's House in Lahore.
Coming across a Sikh in the audience wearing an orange turban, he said "Satsri Akal" and received loud applause from the gathering.
In his address, Sharif stressed the need for unity and interfaith harmony to eliminate religious hatred, terrorism and extremism.
He said all religions, including Islam and Christianity, aimed at purifying the soul. It is part of the Muslim faith to believe in the prophethood of Jesus and all the divine books, he said.

A Muslim's belief is not complete till he believes in all the holy books, including the Bible, he said.

The exploitation of religion creates hatred among followers of different faiths and this disturbs social peace, Sharif said. A handful of elements are bent on spreading hatred and creating sectarianism by exploiting religion, he added.
"The elements attacking churches and mosques and other worship places do not have belief (or) faith or respect for holy places. We have to obstruct the way of the elements by forging unity in our ranks and promote interfaith harmony," he said.
Christians and other minorities have played an active role in development and prosperity of the people since Pakistan's inception, Sharif said.

The Constitution provides equal opportunities to minorities living in Pakistan and the country's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, emphasised equal rights to minorities, he said.
"Terrorism, poverty and ignorance have no religion and are affecting people across Pakistan. Therefore, peace and prosperity must be for all citizens irrespective of their caste, colour and creed," he said.
Jesus' message of peace for humanity is a beacon of light that enlightened the world. "Islam also advocates love, peace, harmony, fraternity and tolerance," Sharif said.