Pakistan is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, and the white in the Pakistani flag represents the nation’s religious minority communities. As the world celebrates Christmas on December 25, which also marks the birthday of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, a national holiday in Pakistan, Pakistani celebrities have also joined in the festivities. Many celebrities were seen attending dinners and parties, while others erected Christmas trees at their homes. The celebration of Christmas by Pakistani celebrities highlights the country’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
The Pakistani flag is a symbol of the nation’s commitment to both Islam and the rights of religious minorities. The green represents the Muslim-majority populace of Pakistan, while the white stripe represents non-Muslims, such as Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Zoroastrians, and others. The crescent and star in the center of the flag serve as a symbol of Islam, with the crescent representing progress and the five-pointed star representing light and knowledge. The white in the flag represents all the colors in the spectrum and, therefore, appropriately stands for all minority religious groups in the country.
Pakistan’s founding fathers recognized the pluralistic composition of the country’s society, and the white patch in the Pakistani flag symbolizes the nation’s religious minority communities. Despite the inclusive values espoused by the founding fathers, Islamism emerged in Pakistan, growing from popular slogans preceding independence to commonly defining Pakistani nationhood immediately after independence. Throughout Pakistan’s history, Islam has often been instrumentalized for narrow political purposes, and successive leaders contributed to the entrenchment of religion in the state and government.
The celebration of Christmas by Pakistani celebrities is a testament to the country’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The festivities highlight the importance of respecting and celebrating the traditions and cultures of all communities, regardless of their religious affiliations. As Pakistan continues to strive towards a more inclusive and diverse society, the celebration of Christmas serves as a reminder of the nation’s commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of all its citizens.
