News Desk
PR: Islamabad, 11 August 2025
The Church of Pakistan’s Moderator and Bishop of Raiwind, Dr. Azad Marshall, was honoured on Monday for his longstanding services to the nation in the fields of education, interfaith harmony, and humanitarian work. The ceremony, held to mark Minorities Day, brought together Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, cabinet ministers, members of parliament, diplomats, and representatives of Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and other minority communities.
The event opened with tributes to the role of religious minorities in Pakistan’s creation and development, as well as recognition of leaders from different faiths who have promoted peace and social cohesion. Organisers said the day aimed to reaffirm the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, expressed in his August 11, 1947 speech, guaranteeing freedom of religion and equality for all citizens.
In his address, Bishop Azad Marshall thanked the organisers for the award, describing it as “a recognition not of one individual, but of the entire Christian community’s contribution to Pakistan.” He acknowledged the presence of other religious leaders, including Senator Kamran Michael and representatives from the Hindu and Sikh communities, and expressed appreciation for their ongoing service to the country.
Bishop Marshall highlighted the historical role of minorities in Pakistan’s formation, noting that many voted for the creation of the new state and assisted in resettling migrants during Partition. “Our doctors and nurses cared for the sick and wounded, our schools and colleges educated Pakistan’s future leadership without prejudice or discrimination, and our armed forces personnel defended the country with loyalty and sacrifice,” he said.
The Bishop cited examples of prominent Christian figures such as Dewan Bahadur S. P. Singha, Justice Alvin Robert Cornelius, and the pioneering work of United Christian Hospital in Lahore. He recalled the gesture of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir carrying the coffin of a martyred Christian soldier, calling it a visible sign of equality in the armed forces. He also drew inspiration from the teachings of Jesus Christ: “You are the salt of the earth… you are the light of the world,” urging all Pakistanis to be a source of goodness and illumination in society.
Concluding his speech, Bishop Marshall called for transforming “Minorities Day” into “Religious Freedom Day” to reflect the constitutional promise of equal rights for all citizens. He invoked poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz’s words “Chale chalo ke manzil abhi nahin aayi” encouraging continued efforts toward harmony, justice, and national unity.
The event closed with interfaith prayers for peace and prosperity in Pakistan, with leaders from different communities reaffirming their commitment to work together for the nation’s progress.