ISLAMABAD:
The National Press Club (NPC), in collaboration with Medic Galleria International and the Zakat Foundation of America, organised a Christmas Family Gala to celebrate the festive occasion with its Christian members and their families, while promoting interfaith harmony.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar was the chief guest at the event, which was attended by a large number of journalists, NPC office-bearers, Christian members and their families. The programme featured gift distribution among children, cake-cutting and a dinner.
Addressing the gathering, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt said the National Press Club had always stood with its Christian members in moments of joy and celebration. NPC President Azhar Jatoi and Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) President Tariq Ali Warak described Christmas as a festival of happiness for all citizens and termed Christian Pakistanis an integral part of the country’s social fabric.
NPC Secretary Nayar Ali said celebrating the festivals of all members was a longstanding tradition of the Press Club, aimed at fostering harmony, inclusivity and mutual respect.
Medic Galleria CEO Mansoor Shafiq said members of the Christian community were serving with distinction in his organisation and contributing to projecting a positive image of Pakistan internationally. He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to continued collaboration with the NPC for similar initiatives.
Zakat Foundation of America’s Pakistan representative, Dr Fazlur Rehman, termed the event a model of interfaith harmony. He recalled the foundation’s relief efforts following the Jaranwala incident and assured continued cooperation with the Press Club.
Among those present were Punjab Assembly member and Coordinator to the Chief Minister Shazia Rizwan Afzal, Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Focal Person Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi and DIG Operations.
