By Syed Mussarat Khalil
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — The Pakistan Christian Welfare Society (PCWS) held special ceremonies to mark Easter at the premises of Consulate General of Pakistan on Saturday. A large number of Christian community members attended.
Saeed Sarwar, Head of Chancellery (HOC), was chief guest of the ceremony. Choudhry Mohammed Akram, leader Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), Malik Manzoor Awan, president PML (N) youth council and Amir Mohammed Khan, chairman Pakistan Journalist Forum (PJF), were guests of honor.
Vice Chairman PCWS Patrick Falak Shar welcomed all guests and congratulated all the occasion of Easter. He expressed his love and affection to Pakistan. He said, “We should be considered as Pakistanis and not minorities, for quantity is not important.”
Pervez Yousuf, president PCWS, said, “We have all privileges in Pakistan.”
He expressed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and his government for giving opportunities to work and serve the country. He prayed for progress and prosperity of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Yousuf thanked Pakistan Consulate and Consul General Shehryar Akber Khan to use the premises to mark Easter. He added, “We are expecting that those who are in prisons in Pakistan will get justice.”
Choudhry Akram praised the role of Christian community in the progress of Pakistan by sending remittances.
Saeed Sarwar in his address extended greetings to the Christian community celebrating Easter festival on behalf of Consul General and assured them all cooperation and support from the consulate to the community.
He elaborated on the significance of the day and said that it teaches us forgiveness and tolerance. We should spread and follow the teaching of Prophet Issa.
He appreciated the Saudi government’s amnesty scheme for expatriates. He urged the compatriots to take advantage and benefit from the scheme.
Children Junian, Epharathah, Deya, Elishba and Jusho presented flowers to the guests. John Gulzar was master of ceremony. A cake from Ch. Akram was cut.
