Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir stressed the need to promote interfaith harmony for a united and progressive Pakistan, said a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Monday. The army chief joined the Christian community at Christ Church, Rawalpindi to celebrate Christmas. “Islam teaches us the lesson of peace, and friendship and encourages interfaith harmony which is the need of the hour,” said Gen Munir. He also wished a merry Christmas to the entire Christian community of Pakistan. General Munir further emphasised the importance of having the correct perspective, truth and knowledge-based opinions about national issues rather than following rhetoric and propaganda, to address complex challenges and issues. “Enemies of Pakistan are hell-bent towards creating fissures using religious, ethnic and political vulnerabilities. We have to stand together and united to rise as a resolute and strong nation,” the COAS remarked. On the occasion of the founder of the nation’s 147th birth anniversary, the ISPR said that General Munir, while paying glowing tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s great vision and leadership, quoting Quaid’s historical remarks made in his speech on August 11, 1947, while addressing the Constituent Assembly said: “You are free. You are free to go to your temples. You are free to go to your mosques or to any other places of worship in this State of Pakistan”. According to the military’s media wing, the COAS concluded his visit by acknowledging the contributions and sacrifices made by the entire Christian community of Pakistan in all fields and domains. General Munir was warmly welcomed by the congregation and was thanked for sharing the festivity.