DUBAI: Pakistani Christians residing in the United Arab Emirates celebrated Christmas Day with traditional zeal and enthusiasm in Dubai over the weekend.
The event, organised by Rev. Johan Qadir, was held at a local restaurant and attended by notable dignitaries, including the Jam Abdullah from Consulate General of Pakistan Dubai, who served as the chief guest. Other prominent attendees included Ghulam Mustafa, Muhammad Rafiq Leghari, Khalid Hussain Chaudhry (President of the Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah), Faraz Ahmed Siddiqui, and Muhammad Shehzad Butt.
The celebrations commenced under the stewardship of Rev. Johan Qadir, who emphasised the significance of Christmas as a day symbolising love, compassion, and unity.
In their remarks, the speakers highlighted the enduring message of peace and harmony that Christmas conveys, not only to Christians but to millions of people across the globe. They noted that all faiths advocate for peace, and Christianity is no exception, teaching its followers to promote the same.
The event was also graced by members of the Muslim community, who demonstrated interfaith solidarity and mutual respect. Muhammad Shehzad Butt, Media Coordinator for PML-N UAE, expressed unwavering support for the Christian community, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the creation of Pakistan and their sacrifices for its foundation. He reiterated the importance of recognising the pivotal role of the Christian community in the country’s history and development.
The speakers also paid homage to Pakistan’s founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and his tireless efforts to ensure equal rights for all religious communities in the nation. They underscored the necessity of following in the footsteps of visionary leaders to foster global peace and unity.
The festivities included cultural performances, the traditional cutting of the Christmas cake, and a variety of other celebratory activities, all of which were thoroughly enjoyed by attendees.
This vibrant celebration not only encapsulated the spirit of Christmas but also reinforced the principles of coexistence and mutual respect that are essential in uniting people of different cultures and beliefs in a multicultural city like Dubai.