LAHORE: Christians across Pakistan celebrated Christmas on Thursday with joy, devotion, and traditional enthusiasm. The day featured church services, festive attire, gift exchanges, and prayers for national peace and prosperity.
Festivities began with special Christmas masses and had been building since mid-December. Activities included peace rallies, shopping trips, funfairs, and pre-Christmas events, fostering unity and cheer.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the occasion as one of hope, peace, and compassion. They applauded the Christian community’s contributions to various sectors and reiterated the constitutional guarantee of equal rights and religious freedom. The prime minister particularly recognized their efforts in education, healthcare, national development, and sacrifices in combating terrorism, expressing the government’s commitment to equality and unity.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz marked the occasion with a 42-foot Christmas tree installation in Lahore, symbolizing love and equality for minorities. She affirmed the importance of minority communities in society through her social media message.
