Rome, January 6, 2025 — The Pakistan Embassy in Rome celebrated the festive season by hosting a special Christmas luncheon for members of the Pakistani Christian community in Italy. The event, organized by the Ambassador along with officers from the Defence, Commerce, and Diplomatic wings, featured Emmanuel Athar, a Member of the Punjab Assembly, as the guest of honour.

The Ambassador used the occasion to emphasize the shared values of Abrahamic faiths and Pakistan’s dedication to interfaith harmony. He highlighted the audience granted by Pope Francis to Pakistan’s Interior Minister on June 3, 2024, during which an official invitation for a state visit was extended on behalf of the President of Pakistan. Recalling Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Karachi in 1981, he reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to welcome Pope Francis in the near future.

Acknowledging Pakistan’s rich cultural and religious diversity, the Ambassador reflected on its history as a cradle of civilizations and multiple faiths. He shared updates on the embassy’s initiatives to strengthen connections with the Pakistani diaspora, including the successful “WhatsApp Broadcast Initiative,” launched in December 2022, which now links over 20,000 members of the community. He further announced plans to establish dedicated WhatsApp groups for Pakistani Hindus and Christians in Italy, offering a direct communication channel to address their needs and concerns.

Commending the contributions of the Pakistani diaspora to Italy’s development, the Ambassador praised their role in fostering strong bilateral ties between the two nations. He also highlighted the academic achievements of approximately 3,500 Pakistani students excelling in advanced scientific fields across Italian universities, underscoring the community’s dedication to progress and innovation.

The Ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s constitutional commitment to protecting minority rights, referencing the 3% quota reserved for minorities in national and provincial legislatures as a model of democratic inclusion.

The celebration concluded with a heartfelt prayer led by Father Shahzad Anwar, a Pakistani priest currently pursuing Canon Law studies at the Pontifical University in Vatican City.

The Christmas luncheon served as another example of the Pakistan Embassy’s efforts to promote interfaith harmony, engage with the diaspora, and reinforce Pakistan’s image as a nation committed to diversity and inclusion.