Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, invoked United Nations resolutions on interfaith harmony during a special Christmas ceremony at the embassy, stressing the global consensus on discouraging incitement to hatred within the universally accepted human rights framework.
According to official information today, the event, held in keeping with the embassy’s traditions, was organised to demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to religious coexistence and cultural diversity. Addressing the attendees, Ambassador Sheikh described Pakistan as a multicultural, multilingual, and multi-ethnic society. He remarked that mutual respect for all religions and partaking in each other”s celebrations strengthens the bonds of humanity.
The ambassador stated that Christmas is a joyous occasion for people worldwide, not solely for the followers of Christianity. He explained the Islamic perspective, noting that Muslims revere Christ as a chosen messenger of God who received a revealed scripture.
The ceremony included the cutting of a Christmas cake and the presentation of gifts to the Christian members of the embassy staff in appreciation of their dedicated service.
Concluding his address, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh expressed his hope that the New Year 2026 would bring peace, progress, and prosperity to the entire world, wishing for the spirit of Christmas to be cherished by humankind not just in the coming year but for all time.