Christians celebrate Christmas across Pakistan with prayers, joy and goodwill

ISLAMABAD: Christians across Pakistan on Thursday celebrated Christmas with religious devotion and traditional festivities, joining millions of believers around the world in marking the occasion.

Christmas celebrations were held with enthusiasm across the country, with churches decorated with Christmas trees and colourful lights, while worshippers offered special prayers for peace, prosperity and national well-being.

In Karachi, prayer ceremonies were held at various churches as security was tightened around worship places. St Patrick’s Church in Saddar witnessed a large turnout, where members of the Christian community marked the festival with prayers and hymns.

In Lahore, celebrations began as soon as the clock struck midnight, with churches adorned with multicoloured lights. A large number of worshippers attended Christmas ceremonies at Cathedral Church, Regal Chowk, where prayers were offered for the country’s progress and prosperity.

A major ceremony was also held at St Luke Cathedral Church in Shahdara, led by Father Irfan Yousaf. A 100-pound cake was cut at the event, Christmas songs were sung and fireworks lit up the night sky. Participants said Christmas was a day to promote love, peace, brotherhood and harmony.

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Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing a Christmas ceremony in Islamabad, assured the Christian community of the government’s full support in their journey towards progress and prosperity. He said no injustice against minorities would be tolerated under any circumstances and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting their rights.

The prime minister said Islam teaches love, peace, equality and justice, adding that the essence of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings is compassion and kindness towards others. Extending Christmas greetings to Christians in Pakistan and around the world, he said the festival conveys a universal message of peace, tolerance and goodwill.

Highlighting the contributions of the Christian community, he said they have played a positive role in education, healthcare and other sectors, while also making sacrifices in the fight against terrorism alongside the rest of the nation.

President Asif Ali Zardari also extended warm greetings to Christian citizens of Pakistan and Christian communities worldwide on the joyous occasion of Christmas. He described the festival as a time of hope, peace and compassion.

Recalling Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of equality and religious freedom, the president said Pakistan remains committed to mutual respect and harmony among all citizens. He acknowledged the Christian community’s contributions in politics, defence, education, arts, healthcare and public service, saying their efforts enrich national life and strengthen shared progress.

The president reaffirmed that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights and freedom of religion for every citizen, calling for unity and collective efforts for a peaceful and prosperous country.