Christmas was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Pakistan and around the world on Wednesday, December 25.
Christian communities in Pakistan marked the occasion with religious fervor, with churches in Karachi illuminated by festive lights and prayer ceremonies held for the prosperity and peace of the country. Saint Patrick’s Church was beautifully decorated with a Christmas tree adorned with sparkling stars and ornaments, while streets and neighborhoods were alive with vibrant decorations reflecting the festive spirit.
Lahore
In Lahore, the tradition of decorating Christmas trees, a custom dating back to the 17th century, remained strong. The practice began when religious leader Martin Luther decorated a pine tree with lights and stars, inspired by the starlit sky. Churches, including the historic Naulakha Church, featured splendidly decorated trees, with bells, stars, and electric lights adding to the charm of the celebrations. Reverend Dr. Majid Abel emphasized that Christmas is the most joyful festival for Christians.
Islamabad
In Islamabad, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal attended a Christmas ceremony to show solidarity with the Christian community. He cut a Christmas cake and distributed cash gifts to Christian employees of the ministry. Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul Khawaja also took part in the event. Jam Kamal praised the contributions of the Christian community to Pakistan’s development, reinforcing national unity and harmony.
Murree
In Murree, preparations for Christmas reached their peak with events hosted at several venues. St. Denys Girls’ College held a special ceremony, while the 150-year-old Holy Trinity Church completed its festive decorations. Christian tourists flocked to Murree to celebrate the holiday in the picturesque hill station.
Peshawar
Christmas celebrations in Peshawar were marked by interfaith harmony, with Muslims joining their Christian neighbors in festivities and prayers for national security and peace. The sacrifices of the armed forces were honored during the ceremonies, and prayers for progress and unity were offered, along with cake-cutting celebrations.
PM Shehbaz’s Greetings
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended warm greetings to the Christian community on Christmas. He emphasized the importance of reflecting on the teachings of Christmas, highlighting the messages of peace, brotherhood, and love for humanity conveyed by Jesus Christ. The prime minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of religious communities and wished a joyous and blessed Christmas to all.
IPP’s Christmas Event
The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) hosted a Christmas event in Walton, organized by Lahore Vice President Mian Akram Mehar. IPP General Secretary Shoaib Siddiqui attended as the chief guest, cutting a Christmas cake and distributing gifts and rations to Christian families. Siddiqui also announced plans to deliver rations to 1,000 Christian households in Cantonment areas, emphasizing the party’s dedication to welfare initiatives.
Read More: Christian community celebrates Christmas today
Punjab CM’s Order
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered enhanced security measures across the province for Christmas celebrations. She directed heightened security for churches and prayer ceremonies and instructed district administrations to ensure smooth arrangements and improve traffic management during events. Police officials showed solidarity by cutting cakes, and special discounts were announced for the Christian community in markets, with cleanliness measures implemented around churches.
Balochistan Governor’s Order
Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhel directed authorities to ensure safe Christmas celebrations, especially in Quetta. He ordered increased security around churches and Christian neighborhoods, instructing district administrations and police to remain vigilant and address any issues promptly to maintain a secure environment for the festivities.
Global Events
Globally, Christmas was celebrated with grandeur. In Beijing, Catholics held prayer gatherings, while hundreds of Indonesians lit candles and sang hymns in Jakarta. In Bethlehem, children participated in rallies, waving Vatican and Palestinian flags to call for ceasefires. Venice saw Santa Claus lead a boat parade, and Finland’s Santa embarked on a global journey to distribute gifts. Cairo and Dubai also witnessed festive activities in markets and winter festivals.
