Vibrant celebrations galore, as Pakistan celebrates Christmas

As Christmas cheer spreads across the globe, Pakistan joins in the festivities with vibrant celebrations and a heart-warming message of inclusivity. From Lahore's grand Cathedral Church to Gujranwala's bustling streets, the Christian community is immersed in joyful prayers, colorful decorations, and the spirit of togetherness.

In Lahore, the heart of Punjab, Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi set the tone for the celebrations. Visiting the historic Cathedral Church, he emphasized the importance of protecting the country's minorities and acknowledged the shared reverence for Hazrat Isa among Muslims and Christians. His words resonated with the national flag's symbolism, where green represents Muslims and white signifies the diversity of minorities.

Lahore's security measures reflect this commitment to inclusivity. Over 5,000 police personnel are deployed across churches, with snipers stationed on sensitive roofs. Christmas markets and entertainment centers are also under heightened vigilance, ensuring a safe and joyous environment for all.

The festive spirit isn't confined to Lahore. In Hafizabad, special prayers fill churches and mosques, echoing wishes for Pakistan's development, prosperity, and stability. Beautifully decorated churches become beacons of faith, while swings add a touch of merriment for children.

Gujranwala's 300 churches host prayer events, resounding with supplications for the nation's security. The vibrant community spirit transcends religious boundaries, as Muslims join their Christian brothers and sisters in the shared joy of Christmas.

Islamabad paints a particularly colourful picture. Christmas trees twinkle with lights, Santa Claus distributes gifts, and festive cheer spills out of private hotels and onto the streets. Citizens from all walks of life participate, offering greetings and sharing in the collective happiness.

One resident beautifully captured the essence of the day: "It's important to celebrate everyone's festivals as much as our own. Happiness multiplies when shared."

The southern city of Hyderabad joins the chorus of celebration, with special prayers echoing in churches. The city embraces the Christmas spirit with enthusiasm, offering prayers for the country's well-being amidst the festive joy.

Political leadership felicitates Christians on Christmas

President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar have extended their heartfelt greetings to the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas, which is being celebrated across the globe today.

In his message, President Ali said that minorities in Pakistan enjoyed all political, economic, and social rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan. He said the government of Pakistan provided equal opportunities to all citizens, irrespective of their colour, class and creed.

He vowed that the government was committed to ensuring the protection of the rights of all religious minorities in Pakistan.

The president said that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of the nation, in his historic speech of August 11, 1947, had stated that everyone, irrespective of colour, creed, and religion, would have equal rights, privileges, and obligations, along with complete religious freedom in the new state of Pakistan.

“As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the festive occasion, let us also remember the values that bind us together as a nation—respect for diversity, protection of minority rights, and a commitment to building a tolerant and inclusive society,” he said while extending his warmest and heartfelt greetings to the Christian community on the joyous occasion of Christmas.

“Together, we can work towards a brighter and more harmonious future for our great nation,” he said further in his message.

President Alvi said Christmas was a time of joy, reflection, and celebration, holding a special place in the hearts of the Christian brethren. The diversity of religions and cultures was a source of strength for Pakistan, and the Christian community had significantly contributed to the social and economic development of the country, he observed.

President Alvi said the nation acknowledged the commendable services rendered by the Christian community for the promotion of peace, tolerance and harmony in the country.

Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar

Separately, Prime Minister Kakar said Christmas represented love, brotherhood, patience and sacrifice, and these values were critical to putting a society on the path of development. He further said that on the occasion of Christmas, the nation should pledge to make Pakistan a model of religious tolerance and brotherhood.

“The Christian community is celebrating Christmas in Pakistan and across the world and I and the whole nation felicitate the Christian brothers and sisters on the happy occasion of Christmas," he stated, adding that the moral teachings and guidance of Prophet Isa were a beacon for humanity for all times to come, he continued.

He said that in the present age, there was an acute need to follow the prophet's message of human compassion, affection, tolerance and fraternity. In the last few years at the international level, human society had been facing an adverse situation due to a wave of religious intolerance, he observed.

“To reverse this negative trend, we have to spread Hazrat Isa’s message of brotherhood and religious tolerance and follow his teachings to make the world a cradle of peace. In this way we can forever end hatred from the world,” he remarked.

He said the white colour in Pakistan’s green flag represented the minorities, including the Christian community, which played a vital role in the progress and development of the country, and in all fields, including defence, judiciary, arts, sports, and education, made their countrymen proud.

The prime minister said the Christian community laid down their lives for strengthening the foundation of the country and for its integrity and solidarity.

Shehbaz Sharif

PML-N president and former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif wished a Merry Christmas to the global Christian community, especially to Pakistani Christians.

"The teachings of Jesus Christ, centred on love, unity, and peace, serve as a guiding light for us all. Let’s use this day as a reminder to reaffirm our commitment to fostering peace and prosperity for everyone," he posted on his X account.

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari

Moreover, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, in his message for the Christian community, has said: "May the festivities bring joy, and may the new year ahead be filled with prosperity and harmony.”

He also lauded the role Pakistani Christians have played in all fields, especially education and health, and said the nation was proud of their participation in the country’s development.

Bilawal underscored his party’s consistent advocacy for the rights of the downtrodden and marginalized, affirming the party’s commitment to treating non-Muslims, including Christians, as equal citizens. He said the PPP was committed to protecting the rights as well as welfare and prosperity of all minorities and downtrodden classes, including the Christian community of the country.

“I am sure that the first and only choice of all the minorities of the country including the Christian community as well as the conscious Pakistanis in the February 8 polls will be ‘Arrow’ to transform Pakistan into a more harmonious, tolerant and progressive society.

Asif Zardari

Former president Asif Ali Zardari has also congratulated Christians all over the world, especially those living in Pakistan, on Christmas. He said the role of the Christian community for the development of Pakistan is unforgettable.

Zardari said PPP founder and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had given all non-Muslims the right to be equal citizens in the 1973 Constitution, while former PM Benazir Bhutto had defended the fundamental rights of non-Muslim citizens.

The PPP co-chairman said the Christian community should ensure that their children attain higher education so that they can serve the country and the nation according to their ability and make Pakistan proud.

Aleem Khan

Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party President Abdul Aleem Khan also felicitated the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas.

"The festival of Christmas conveys a message of love and peace. The Christian community has rendered immense services to the country and nation, which cannot be forgotten. In Pakistan, followers of all religions have full freedom and we all share equally in the joys of the Christian community," he stressed.