Islamabad: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has called for promoting peace and brotherhood, and ending discrimination and divides.Addressing a special Christmas ceremony at Prime Minister House, Islamabad on Wednesday, PM Shehbaz Shbarif said we should treat our minority communities with love and respect so they recognize themselves as dignified citizens of the country.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country's fundamental agenda of development and prosperity hinges upon the protection of the rights of Christian community and other minorities. He extended cordial felicitations to the Christian community in the country and the world.PM Shehbaz Sharif underscored that the day demanded the nation to join its forces for the betterment of mankind. 'The Holy Quran has a revered mention of Prophet Jesus Christ (PBUH) and Hazrat Maryam (PBUH). Today, the birthplace of Prophet Jesus Christ is tainted in bloodbath and thousands of Palestinians including children, youth, elderly and women have bee n killed. All Christians and Muslims should unite and join forces to stop this bloodshed and uphold the mission of peace of Jesus Christ in Palestine's holy land,' the PM urged.Regretting that the Holy birthplace of Hazrat Isa (A.S) is mired in war and bloodshed, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized joint action to put an end to war in Gaza. He said in line with Hazrat Isa's mission of peace and tolerance, Christians across the world should play their role for ceasefire in Gaza.He acknowledged that the Christian community rendered indelible contributions in the independence, betterment of the nation's education, defence, and protection of the motherland in different wars that would be remembered in golden words, adding, 'Cecil Chaudhary and Justice Cornelius are known to everyone.'PM Shehbaz Sharif noted that he and his elder brother Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had also graduated from missionary schools whose teachers played a critical role in grooming their personalities.'We should promote unity, interfaith h armony and tolerance in the society to ensure protection of the rights of the minorities and ensure that they consider themselves as a respected member of the society. Pakistan belongs to all and we should celebrate this day as a more revered occasion as it is the birthday of Jesus Christ, and Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as well,' PM Shehbaz Sharif said.The prime minister quoted Quaid-e-Azam's statement saying, 'Protection and promotion of minorities rights has been our top priority. You all are the proud citizens of Pakistan. Your equal development and progress is the basic point of our fundamental agenda. I extend you the felicitations of Christmas and ensure that your protection, security and prosperity is not only dear to us but our responsibility.' He reiterated that he as prime minister ensured the Christian community to uphold that right with greater responsibility.Earlier, addressing the event, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar Advocate paid rich tribute to the Christi an community for their contributions in the progress and development of the country.He said the Christian community has always upheld the honour of Pakistan's national flag both through their dedicated services and noble sacrifices.Attaullah Tarar spoke with great reverence for martyr Haroon William of Pak Army who sacrificed his life for the cause of the country and was laid to rest with full honours, draped in the national flag.The Minister especially eulogized Brigadier Helen Marry Roberts, the first female Christian Brigadier of Pakistan Army and said she is an epitome of the meritorious services of Christian community to the country.He mentioned with pride the three athletes-Sohail sisters, who won twenty two medals for Pakistan in international competitions.Attaullah Tarar said he represents a constituency of over 70,000 Christians in the National Assembly and has received immense love from them. He vowed to make all out efforts for the welfare of the minorities.