RAWALPINDI – Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa (COAS) hosted abanquet dinner in the honour of leading Christian clergy in Pakistan onFriday, an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said.

According to the ISPR, the dinner was attended, among others, by HisEminence Cardinal Joseph Coutts and Right Reverend Humphrey Sarfraz Peter.

Chief of Army Staff regarded the appointment of Cardinal Coutts as a greatnational honour and a milestone towards fostering national harmony,according to the army’s media cell.

The army chief lauded the contribution of Pakistani Christians in nationaldevelopment including promotion of quality education, healthcare andphilanthropic services.

He also made a special mention of the outstanding role played by a numberof minority members in the defence of the motherland.

The army chief expressed deep respect for the Christian community andstressed upon the need for promoting greater interfaith harmony in thesociety to match Jinnah’s true vision of a united and progressive Pakistan,said the press release.

Cardinal Coutts and Reverend Peter appreciated the army chief’s gesture asan inspiration for Pakistani minorities, restoring their faith in atolerant society. They expressed their resolve to take steps for a morepositive role by the Christian community towards national development andprogress.

Other eminent dignitaries present on the occasion included ArchbishopSebastian Francis Shaw, Archbishop Joseph Arshad, Bishop Benny Marlo Travasand Father Sohail Patrick.

Church of Pakistan was represented by Right Reverend Irfan Jamil, RightReverend Roderick Leo Paul, Right Reverend John Samuel, Right ReverendAlvin Samuel, Bishop Manoo Romal Shah, Reverend Maqsood Kamil and ReverendNadeem Kamil, the ISPR added.

Senator John Kenneth Williams and a few serving and retired Army officersfrom the Christian community also formed a part of the gathering, whichended in prayers for national unity and prosperity.