ISLAMABAD, April 14: Religious harmony is essential for the progress and prosperity of a country, Pakistan Muslim League (PML) Secretary-General Mushahid Hussain Syed said here on Friday.

He was speaking at a ‘Good Friday’ function organized by MNA Mushtaq Victor at the PML house.

Mr Syed said Christian missionary educational institutes were playing an important role in imparting education. He said the credit must go to President Gen Pervez Musharraf for empowering the deprived section of the society, particularly minorities. Due to numerous steps taken by the present government, the Christian community was enjoying equal rights.

The PML senator, while referring to the positive contribution of Christians in Iraq war, said Pope John Paul II had opposed the US policy on Iraq. Similarly, he said the biggest anti-Iraq war demonstrations were held in various Christian’s countries. These demonstrations in London, Paris, Brussels, Madrid, Berlin and Rome had helped in averting clash of civilization, he said.

The country would be taken forward as envisioned by Quaid-i- Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah to include all segments of society in the decision-making process, Mr Syed added.