Islamabad: A grand ceremony was organized on Tuesday at the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Headquarters under the Benazir Income Support Programme on the occasion of Christmas and the birthday of the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The event was attended by BISP employees belonging to the Christian community, beneficiary women and their families, media representatives, as well as BISP officers and staff.
Addressing the birthday celebration of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Chairperson BISP, Senator Rubina Khalid, said that as a nation, there is an urgent need to implement Quaid-e-Azam's vision of a free, strong, and prosperous Pakistan. She emphasized that Pakistan's development requires the adoption of a collective mindset, an approach also upheld by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who believed in a strong federation supported by strong federating units.
Senator Rubina Khalid stated that Pakistan is our foremost priority, and this is a matter of pride for all of us. 'My Pakistan is my identity,' she said, adding that discrimination based on color, race, language, or religion leads to destruction, while unity is the path to success. Addressing BISP officers and staff, she urged them to perform their duties with honesty and to serve the creation of Allah Almighty, stating that true success in the hereafter lies in serving humanity and resolving people's problems.
The Chairperson further said that the Benazir Income Support Programme is a great responsibility entrusted to her by Allah Almighty. She highlighted that BISP is taking practical steps, in line with the vision and teachings of the Founder of Pakistan, to promote social justice and protect vulnerable segments of society, with the goal of building a strong and prosperous Pakistan.
Senator Rubina Khalid said that December 25 is a day of joy for all Pakistanis, as it marks both the birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Christmas, reflecting a beautiful example of religious harmony and tolerance in Pakistani society.
Addressing the ceremony, Additional Secretary BISP, Dr. Asmat Nawaz, said that even Quaid-e-Azam's opponents acknowledged his honesty and principled character. He stated that today, Quaid-e-Azam is remembered not only as the Founder of Pakistan but also as a global statesman whose guidance continues to serve as a beacon for the nation. He added that despite limited resources, BISP is striving to support marginalized communities so they can become part of the national mainstream.
Earlier, speaking at the Christmas celebration, Senator Rubina Khalid said that BISP was celebrating Christmas with its Christian beneficiary mothers, sisters, and their children. She prayed that the coming year would bring progress and peace for Pakistan and for all its people, emphasizing that 'we are Pakistanis first.'
She further stated that unity in Pakistan represents the true spirit of love and harmony. She recalled that Hazrat Isa (A.S.) and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) preached messages of love, peace, and tolerance, and stressed the need to uproot the seeds of hatred from society.
Expressing hope for the future, Senator Rubina Khalid said that the year 2026 should become a year of peace, love, brotherhood, and tolerance. At the conclusion of the event, she cut the Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah birthday cake along with members of the Christian community and distributed gifts among children of Christian families on behalf of BISP.