Archbishop Joseph Arshad of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Islamabad–Rawalpindi has called on the people of Pakistan’s twin cities to unite through love, forgiveness, mutual respect, and service, in order to build a peaceful and hatred-free society.
The archbishop delivered his Christmas message on December 20, 2025, during a pre-Christmas celebration held at Khatoon-e-Fatima Catholic Church Hall, Islamabad.
“Christmas carries a universal message of love, peace, reconciliation, and hope. Through the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s divine love is revealed to humanity,” Archbishop Arshad said. “Regardless of religious differences, humanity must be united through love, forgiveness, mutual respect, and service to one another.”
He emphasized that God’s love was manifested in a practical and living way through Christ, calling on society to uphold the principles of justice, peace, and freedom from hatred.
The archbishop further noted that many people in Pakistan and around the world continue to lack access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, healthcare, and safe shelter, conditions that breed uncertainty and despair.
“As we celebrate Christmas during the Jubilee Year 2025, centered on the theme of hope, it is urgent to build peace and foster fraternal relations among people of all faiths,” he said.
Archbishop Arshad also appealed to the Government of Pakistan, the armed forces, social organizations, and compassionate citizens to work together for human welfare and national development, especially to support those suffering from poverty, hunger, illness, displacement, and social marginalization.
Offering prayers for the security, progress, and prosperity of Pakistan, he added, “This Christmas, we must renew our commitment to promoting human dignity, unity, and brotherhood in society. I encourage everyone to play a collective role in strengthening these values.”
“The presence of people from various faith traditions at this gathering reflects Pakistan’s spirit of religious tolerance and national unity,” the archbishop concluded.
The program was honored by the presence of Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Federal Interior Minister of Pakistan, as the chief guest. Other distinguished attendees included the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad, the Inspector General of Islamabad Police, senior government officials, Pak Army Christian officers, Mr. Naeem Bhatti, priests, religious sisters, and a large number of faithful.
During the event, students of Islamabad Convent School presented a meaningful Christmas play and tableau depicting the message of Christ’s birth. The celebration was further enriched by melodious Christmas carols sung by the Khatoon-e-Fatima Church Choir, while Mr. Jabbar Mansha added a cultural dimension through traditional Christmas hymns.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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