The Christian community in Pakistan celebrating Christmas on Wednesday with traditional fervour and devotion, joining millions worldwide in marking the festival with prayers, decorations, and festivities.
Churches across the country organised special prayer services, illuminated with colourful lights, and adorned with Christmas trees. Residential colonies of Christians were similarly decorated with twinkling lights, stars, and festive ornaments.
In Karachi, a central ceremony was held at St Patrick’s Church, where a large number of believers gathered for prayers. Lahore’s St Luke’s Church celebrated with a 100-pound cake, drawing significant attention.
Prayer gatherings also took place in Bahawalpur, Quetta, Multan, Sargodha, and Lodhran, with congregants praying for peace, unity, and the nation’s prosperity.
The Punjab government implemented comprehensive security measures to ensure peaceful celebrations. Over 30,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed for the security of more than 2,900 churches across the province, including Lahore.
Over 5,000 police officers and personnel will be assigned security duties at more than 600 Christian places of worship in the provincial capital.
The sale of special cakes at small and large bakeries has gained momentum ahead of Christmas across the city as Christian families are ready to celebrate their annual religious ritual.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) conveyed its greetings to the Christian community, expressing good wishes for their celebrations.The military celebrated the universal values of love, compassion, and peace that are central to the occasion.
President, PM extend Christmas greetings
President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended heartfelt greetings to the Christian community of Pakistan and around the world on the joyous occasion of Christmas and its message of peace, brotherhood, and love for all humanity.
In his message, the president said that the spirit of Christmas offered a universal lesson to humanity, encouraging people of all faiths to embrace love, generosity, mercy, unity, and hope.
Zardari said that Pakistan’s Constitution guaranteed the fundamental rights of all citizens, irrespective of their faith, and protected their freedom to worship and live in accordance with their beliefs.
‘Punjab hub of religious harmony’
Conveying a message of happiness and love to the Christian community across the globe on the eve of Christmas, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the province has become the centre of interfaith harmony in the country.
The chief minister said she equally shared the rejoicement of the community in Christmas festivities. “Christmas conveys a message of peace, love and service,” she said.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, “The Christian community of Pakistan has always rendered commendable services in the development, education, health and other sectors of the country. I highly acknowledge invaluable sacrifices and hard work of the minority community and pay them rich tribute as well.”
