The Christian community in Pakistan and worldwide is celebrating Christmas with religious and traditional fervour today (Sunday) to mark the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ (PBUH).
Special services are being held in churches across the country, and prayers are being offered for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
Streets, houses and buildings have been decorated with the traditional Christmas tree and lights. Special Christmas cakes and candies are being prepared as part of the festivities. People disguised as Santa Claus are busy distributing Christmas presents to children.
Christmas Peace Train
A special Christmas Peace Train was launched by Pakistan Railways earlier this month to express solidarity with the Christian community.
Adorned with Christmas lights and mock snowmen, and with carriages carrying portraits and tributes to notable Christian Pakistanis, the train is aimed at spreading the message of peace and tolerance in Pakistan.
The Christmas Train reached Lahore from Rawalpindi on its cross-country journey, where it was welcomed by the Federal Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Kamran Michael on Saturday.
The minister cut the Christmas cake on the occasion while a large number of people including the Christian community were also present to welcome the Peace Train. The Train will stay in Lahore till Monday and restart its journey to its final destination Karachi.
Talking to media at Lahore Railway Station, Kamran Michael said that the Peace Train was a joint initiative of Pakistan Railways and Ministry of Human Rights with an objective to promote tolerance, peace and equality in the society.
He said that the entire nation was united to eliminate terrorism and establish durable peace in Pakistan, and the Christian community stood shoulder to shoulder with the nation.
.jpg)
.jpg)
PM, President extend greetings on Christmas Day
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain extended their heartiest greetings to the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas.
In his message, President Mamnoon said, “On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, I extend heartiest greetings to Christian community in Pakistan and all over the world on the joyous occasion of Christmas.”
He said that Christmas reminds us about the teachings of Jesus Christ (PBUH) and that the teachings of Jesus Christ (PBUH) give us the message of love, peace, tolerance and compassion for humanity.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in his message, wished Merry Christmas to the Christian community and acknowledged the diverse and productive role being played by them and the other minorities living in Pakistan.
“I greatly appreciate their patriotism, devoted service and sincere attachment to the country and am confident that they will continue to play their due role for peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan with complete dedication,” he said.
Political dignitaries felicitate Christians on Christmas
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah felicitated the Christians especially those living in the province on the occasion of Christmas.
In a message he said that the nation is with the Christian community in the celebration of Christmas. The Chief Minister also lauded the contributions of the Christian community, especially in the realms of education and health besides other sectors.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari extended his greetings to the Christians living in Pakistan and around the world on Christmas eve.
“PPP is the political home for every Pakistani irrespective to their religion. We celebrate and mourn together as an integrated nation. Like Eid and Diwali, we will celebrate Christmas also together and share each other’s festivities,” he said.
Chairman #PPP @BBhuttoZardari extends greetings to #Christians living in #Pakistan and across the world.
