Like around the world, Christians are celebrating Christmas across the country. 

The churches and some public places have been adorned with bells, lights and Christmas trees. Restaurants and markets in the major cities are decked with lights, trees, decorations, cakes and gifts. 

Special cake cutting ceremonies and festivities have been planned at different government and non-government bodies.

Authorities have stepped up security around churches and prayer sites to avert any untoward incident. For this purpose walk-through gates have been installed at entry and exit points and the Christmas services and venue would be monitored through CCTV cameras.

Leaders greeted the Christian community on Xmas.  President Dr Arif Alvi praised the Christians for their valuable ontribution to national growth in his message on Charisma.

“On this happy day, I highly appreciate the services and role being played by all the minorities living in Pakistan, particularly the Christian community for the socio-economic development of the country in general and in the fields of health and education in particular,” the president added.

 “This day reminds us of the values that Jesus Christ observed in his own life. He not only healed the ailing humanity but preached the divine values of tolerance, love and compassion,” he said.

He said the constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens irrespective of their religion, caste and creed. He said the government was committed to providing equal opportunities to all Pakistanis including our minorities. The citizens in Pakistan enjoy all rights and the government has undertaken a number of measures to empower them in all spheres of life, the president remarked.

“I am immensely happy to say that minorities in Pakistan are actively contributing to the development and prosperity of the country. This reflects the interfaith harmony and profound cohesion between all faiths being practised across the country.  “This is the spirit that binds us together as one family to celebrate our blessings and the values we hold dear,” he added.

In his message, Prime Minister Imran Khan assured the community of continuing safeguarding the rights and privileges enjoyed by all minorities.

 “On the auspicious occasion of Christmas, I on my behalf and on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan extend heartfelt congratulations to the Christian Community around the world and especially in Pakistan for celebrating this festival with devotion and respect,” he remarked.

The prime minister said that the festivities of Christmas teach us universal love, brotherhood, tolerance and self-sacrifice which plays a pivotal role in moving any society on the path of development.

The birth of Prophet Jesus is considered a symbol of peace, brotherhood, tolerance and respect for the entire humanity throughout the world. He not only healed the ailing humanity, but preached the divine values of tolerance, love and compassion. He guided people towards virtuous living and urged them to seek divine mercy. As a Divine Messenger, Prophet Jesus’ teachings are for adherents of all religions.

The prime minister also said that the sincere and invaluable services rendered by the Christian Community in the fields of defence, education, health as well as economic development of the Country have always been commendable.

Being equal citizens of the State, the government will empower them to use their abilities for national development, the prime minister said, adding that the government adopted measures to promote interfailh harmony.

The constitution enshrines Quaid-i-Azam’s vision and safeguards the legitimate interests of minorities, he said.

The prime minister said that the government of Pakistan holds sacrosanct the equality and freedom of conscience of all citizens irrespective of belief, creed or religion.

 “We are committed to building a society that respects difference and finds strength in diversity; a nation that is tolerant and cohesive; and a state that provides equal rights and opportunities to all citizens,” Imran Khan said.