ISLAMABAD: Member of the National Assembly Isphanyar M. Bhandara on Thursday extended New Year greetings to the people of Pakistan, with prayers for the country’s advancement, peace, and prosperity. In a statement, Bhandara said that Pakistan celebrates all religious festivals, including Christmas, Easter, Holi, and Baisakhi, reflecting the nation’s inclusive and pluralistic culture. Emphasizing equal citizenship, he said that every Pakistani enjoys equal rights irrespective of religious affiliation. He commended Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for her initiatives aimed at empowering minority communities, particularly the distribution of Minority Cards. Bhandara said that minority religious festivals are now being celebrated freely and without fear, noting that cities were adorned with ‘Merry Christmas’ banners during the Christmas festivities. DNA
