PARIS, DEC 17 (DNA) – The Embassy of Pakistan to France remembered the martyrs of Army Public School Peshawar, martyrs of Kashmir who lost their lives while striving for their right of self-determination, and paid homage to late Pakistanis of Christian faith who had contributed in progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

A large number of members of Pakistani French Christian community, faith leaders, officials of the French Government, civil society representatives and media attended the event which was held in Embassy of Pakistan to France yesterday.

At the outset, a one minutes silence was observed in memory of APS Peshawar and Kashmiri martyrs.

While addressing the participants, the Ambassador of Pakistan to France Moin ul Haque extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families of the APS incident and condemned this brutal and in human act in the strongest terms. Recalling the unprecedented sacrifices made by the Pakistani nation, the Ambassador reiterated the strong resolve of the government to eradicate terrorism and extremism.

Extending his warm Christmas greetings to the Pakistani Christian expatriates, the Ambassador highlighted the role of Christian community in the progress and prosperity of Pakistan as equal, free and proud citizens of Pakistan. He lauded their valuable contributions in the fields of education, judiciary, civil & military service, sports and performing arts.

The Ambassador assured the participants that the government of Pakistan is fully committed to promote interfaith harmony amongst adherents of different religions and sects as equal citizens of Pakistan to build a tolerant, multicultural and pluralistic society.

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