KARACHI/LAHORE-
The Christian community in Pakistan is celebrating its holy festival of Christmas with religious zeal to mark the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ, private media reported.
Special services were held in Churches across the country as the community celebrates the day with austerity and simplicity in the view of children’s massacre in Peshawar that has been globally condemned.
The day started with special prayers at Churches. Christmas trees were decorated with lights and colourful balls in Christian colonies, outside shopping malls and alongside the important roads.
The Christian community in the country renewed their commitments to follow the teachings of their religion in letter and spirit.
Christmas is celebrated culturally and religiously as a major festival by the followers of Christianity who believe that the day brings happiness and blessings for them.
The government has made comprehensive security arrangements and special deployment of police has been ensured at Churches and public places.
President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif in their separate messages on the occasion have extended heartiest greetings to the Christians brethren all over the world and in particular to those living in Pakistan.
They have reiterated the government’s resolve to uphold the rights of all minorities and to protect their lives and properties‚ treating them as equal citizens of the state.
The President and Prime Minister have also urged the religious‚ political and social elites of the country to foster solidarity and brotherhood among followers of all the religious faiths to make Pakistan a hub of peace and prosperity.
