RAWALPINDI: The army chief joined the Christian community in the garrison city on Wednesday at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the site of the largest gathering in the city, as they celebrated Christmas with religious fervor and excitement, highlighting the inclusive and harmonious character of the city.
Chief of the Army Staff Gen. Syed Asim Munir was warmly welcomed by the crowd, which also expressed gratitude for his attendance and solidarity on the special day.
Because Christians connect purple with wealth, monarchy, and power, the cathedral’s altar and podium were decorated with purple flowers and coverings, and priests donned purple clothing.
Prayers were offered at midnight and morning services that were organized by the churches in Rawalpindi.
The army chief is present at the St. Joseph’s Cathedral event.
People prepared special feasts and adorned Christmas trees in honor of the holiday. Although cakes and other baked goods are frequently referred to as special meals, some people said that fried chicken and spicy biryani are served at every Christmas supper.
Arya Mohallah, Gowalmandi, Dhoke Ratta, Javed Colony, Dhoke Ellahi Bux, Dhoke Chaudhrian, Mohanpura, behind Holy Family Hospital, Westridge Bazaar, Allahabad, and other Christian neighborhoods were also embellished.
“The celebrations mostly consist of music events and home décor, but people also host private family gatherings and visit parks,” said Eman Bhatti, a Satellite Town resident.
Children were particularly thrilled, he recalled, when they received new clothes and presents.
Despite the severe weather, people came at Sacred Heart Church Westridge to do religious rites, according to Kohinoor Mills resident Mushtaq Masih. He lamented that low gas pressure made cooking difficult for households.
Police had deployed officers to the churches in order to make complex security preparations both inside and outside.
For more than 4,000 of their Christian employees, the Rawalpindi and Chaklala cantonment boards, the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company, and the Water and Sanitation Agency held celebrations.
The role of minorities
Gen. Munir recognized the contributions of Christians and other minority groups to Pakistan’s cultural, social, economic, and national advancement during his remarks during Wednesday’s Christmas Mass.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, he stated that their role in the nation’s advancement continued to be a source of pride and strength for the country.
The COAS sent his warmest Christmas greetings to the country’s Christian community. The universal qualities of kindness, generosity, and goodwill—principles that unite our diverse society—are profoundly brought to light by Christmas, he emphasized.
