PM calls upon world to play role for just resolution of Kashmir issue as people aspire

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has called upon the international community to play its role for just resolution of the Kashmir issue according to the aspirations of Kashmiris.

In a solidarity message issued on Sunday, he said that the world community should play its role to stop human rights violations by the Indian forces in the Held Kashmir.

He said that brute force is being used against the innocent Kashmiris as they did not participate in the fake elections in Occupied Kashmir. He said the people of Occupied Kashmir have been deprived of their basic rights.

He said that Kashmir is for Kashmiris and a day will dawn when their due struggle will bear fruit. 

Meanwhile, in his message on the eve of Easter, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has lauded the role of Christian community in the development of Pakistan. He congratulated the Christian brethren and said that protection of all minorities living in Pakistan is moral and Constitutional responsibility of the government.

The Prime Minister has re-assured the members of Christian community and all other minorities that Pakistan belonged to them and stressed that the country's peace and prosperity was in the unity of all Pakistanis.

"It is a moral and national obligation of our nation to protect the constitutional rights of each and every Christian and all other minorities, living in Pakistan as enshrined in our Constitution," he said in a message on the Easter.

The prime minister extended his heartiest felicitations to the Christian citizens on the occasion of their religious festival, Easter.

"I wish our Christian brothers and sisters living in Pakistan the happiness and joys of Easter," a press release of the PM office media wing quoted the prime minister as saying.

He further noted with appreciation that the Pakistani Christians were playing an important role in the progress and development of the country.

"We deeply appreciate and are indebted to their valuable contributions and services towards our collective national objective of securing a truly strong, progressive and stable Pakistan," he added.  

In his felicitating message to Christian community on the occasion, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that all minorities in Pakistan are enjoying equal rights and the government has taken concrete measures for their welfare.

He said that Easter is the name of spending time with deserving people and sharing joys by thinking above ourselves.

The Chief Minister asserted that Christian community is playing its due role for country's progress.

Shahbaz Sharif pronounced that the constitution of Pakistan has provided guarantee for the equal rights and complete protection to all minorities.

Meanwhile, the Christian community in Pakistan is celebrated Easter on Sunday with religious zeal and fervour. Strict security arrangements were put in place at churches around the country.

Huge number of people including children and elders thronged to the churches in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar and other cities where special prayers were offered for the country.

Members of Christian community attend Easter Vigil Service at church in Lahore.

The Easter Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, at the end of a 40-day fasting period, also known as Lent.

Prayers to mark the event began last Sunday, also known as Palm Sunday, followed by Good Friday and then Easter Sunday. The stretch is a holy week for Christians around the world.

One of the main attractions of this festival is the gift of Easter Eggs, made of chocolates, given especially to children.

Celebrations are also underway in other countries where religious leaders have urged to spread love and peace in their message.

Egyptian Coptic Christians observed Easter Mass under tight security with the ancient minority still reeling from twin church bombings that killed dozens just days before. - NNI