Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended Christmas celebrations at Christ Church, Rawalpindi, joining the Christian community in marking the festive occasion, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.

Extending Christmas greetings, the army chief conveyed best wishes for peace, harmony and prosperity to the Christian community.

Paying tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Field Marshal Munir highlighted the founder’s vision of equality, freedom and religious tolerance, describing the protection of minority rights as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s ideology.

Interacting with members of the congregation, he acknowledged the longstanding contributions of Pakistani Christians to national development and security, noting their “proud and distinguished service” in the Pakistan Armed Forces over generations.

The Field Marshal stressed the importance of interfaith harmony, mutual respect and unity, saying Pakistan’s strength lay in its diversity, equal opportunities and shared constitutional values beyond religion, ethnicity, caste and creed.

He reaffirmed the Pakistan Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding the dignity, security and equal rights of all citizens, as guaranteed under the Constitution.

Christian community leaders thanked the Field Marshal Munir for his visit and appreciated the Armed Forces’ role in the protection of the homeland, promotion of inclusivity, religious harmony and national unity.