Pakistani Christians celebrate Christmas with great religious fervor
Like Christians around the globe, Pakistan’s Christian community has been celebrating Christmas on Wednesday with deep religious devotion, all under tight security measures.
In Lahore, the festivities began with Mass at churches, where people prayed for the peace and prosperity of Pakistan. Over 2,900 churches across Punjab were beautifully illuminated, and worship services began at midnight, drawing large crowds.
A special prayer service took place at St. Patrick’s Church in Karachi, attracting many members of the Christian community. In Hyderabad, a late-night service at St. Francis Church saw a large turnout of women, children, and youth, all praying for the country’s well-being and safety. Afterward, sweets were distributed to the worshippers.
In Faisalabad, families were busy shopping for Christmas, while in Gujranwala’s Christmas market, shoppers enjoyed discounts of up to 20%. In Quetta, bakeries and cake shops were busy with special Christmas cakes. The Christian community in Lahore was equally excited to celebrate, with prayer services being held in Sargodha’s churches and Christmas cakes cut in churches across Sukkur.
Similar to other parts of the country, churches and homes in Peshawar were beautifully decorated, and Christmas trees adorned many Christian households.
For security, the Punjab police have deployed 30,000 officers and personnel to protect churches. In Lahore, more than 5,000 officers will ensure the safety of over 600 churches, with female officers present to check women. Surveillance will be enhanced by cameras from the Safe City Authority, and commandos and snipers will be positioned at sensitive locations. Special Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Special Branch teams are also on standby to address any security threats.
Punjab’s police chief, Dr. Usman Anwar, assured that the force would remain vigilant during Christmas to promote interfaith harmony and ensure a peaceful celebration.
On the occasion of Christmas, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both extended warm greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and worldwide.
The President remarked, “On this joyous occasion of Christmas, I offer my heartfelt greetings to our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan and around the world.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also sent his “warmest greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and globally, wishing them a Merry Christmas.”
