ISLAMABAD: The Bar and bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday celebrated Christmas separately at their respective premises, reaffirming the judiciary’s commitment to religious harmony, inclusivity and the protection of minority rights.
At the IHC building, Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar, Archbishop Azad Marshall, judges of the court and members of the Christian community participated in a Christmas ceremony, which included a cake-cutting event.
Addressing the gathering, the chief justice extended warm greetings to Christian brothers and sisters across Pakistan on the occasion of Christmas.
Justice Dogar said the day symbolised love, compassion and peace, and provided an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of minority communities.
Bar, bench extend greetings to Christians on Christmas
He noted that Pakistan was a country of diverse faiths and cultures, adding that promoting tolerance, understanding and inclusivity was a collective national responsibility.
Highlighting the role of the judiciary, the chief justice said courts had always protected and enforced the fundamental rights of citizens.
He stressed that the Constitution unequivocally guaranteed equality before the law, freedom of religion and protection of life and dignity to every citizen, terming these guarantees binding constitutional obligations rather than symbolic ideals.
Reaffirming the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens, including minorities, Justice Dogar said a just society could only flourish when every individual felt protected, respected and valued.
He also acknowledged the active role played by minorities in strengthening the country’s justice system, citing their contributions to the judiciary, legal profession, education and public service.
Recalling the legacy of former chief justice Alvin Robert Cornelius, the chief justice described him as a towering jurist and a symbol of judicial integrity, courage and constitutionalism, whose services belonged to the entire nation.
Justice Dogar further stated that, as chief justice, he firmly believed in equality not only in principle but also in practice, and that discrimination had no place in the judiciary.
He expressed gratitude to the Islamabad Bar Council and bar associations for their consistent advocacy for the rights of marginalised communities, including minorities, and wished the Christian community a joyous Christmas and a prosperous new year.
Separately, the Islamabad High Court Bar Association also organised a Christmas event on its premises, which was attended by Vatican City Ambassador Archbishop Germano Penemote.
The ambassador visited the bar office at the request of High Court Bar Secretary Manzoor Jaja.
High Court Bar Association President Wajid Gilani and Secretary Manzoor Jaja welcomed the ambassador, extended Christmas greetings to the Christian community and congratulated the Vatican City envoy on the occasion.
The ambassador thanked the bar for the warm reception and goodwill.
On the occasion, the Islamabad High Court Bar Association presented a commemorative shield to the Vatican City ambassador, while Secretary Manzoor Jaja also took him on a visit to the new High Court Bar building.
Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2025
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