Islamabad (Web Desk): In Pakistan, Christmas is being celebrated with heartfelt enthusiasm and devotion, as the Christian community comes together on Wednesday to observe the joyous occasion.
Across the nation, families and congregations are marking the holiday with vibrant decorations, prayer services, and festive gatherings.
Churches are adorned with shimmering lights, festive wreaths, and nativity displays, creating a sense of warmth and unity as people prepare to honor the birth of Christ.
In cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, the spirit of Christmas is alive with families sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and enjoying time with loved ones. Special church services are taking place, with Christians joining together for worship, songs of praise, and reflection on the significance of the season.
Christmas in Pakistan is also a moment of interfaith harmony, with individuals from different religious backgrounds offering their best wishes to the Christian community, emphasizing the country's rich tradition of mutual respect and coexistence.
Through these celebrations, Pakistan's Christians continue to express joy, solidarity, and a deep sense of tradition, contributing to the nation's cultural diversity and communal strength.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have renewed the commitment to safeguard the rights of all religious communities and foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding in the country.
In their messages on the occasion of Christmas being celebrated today, they extended their heartfelt felicitations to the Christian brethren in Pakistan and around the world.
President Asif Ali Zardari has renewed the commitment to religious harmony, mutual respect, and protection of minority rights in the country.
He called for ensuring that intolerance and discrimination are discouraged and everyone feels respected and safe in the country.
The president extended his heartfelt greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world and said Christmas commemorates the birth of Hazrat Isa (A.S), whose teachings of love, compassion, and peace continue to inspire us to work toward a more inclusive and harmonious society.
President Zardari said Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the fundamental rights of all citizens, irrespective of their faith and our founding father Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah also envisioned a Pakistan where people of all religions could thrive as equal citizens.
He said upholding the rights of all citizens is essential for fostering national unity and progress.
“On this Day, we acknowledge the role of Christian community in the country's development. They have excelled in education, healthcare, community service, social welfare, and public service and their contributions are a testament to our national diversity,” the president said, adding that let us carry the spirit of Christmas throughout the year, working together to build a society rooted in peace, justice, and compassion.
In his message on Christmas, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the commitment to safeguard the rights of all religious communities and foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
He extended his heartfelt felicitations to the Christian brethren in Pakistan and around the world.
The premier vowed to continue to ensure that people of all faiths can practice their beliefs freely and contribute to the collective progress of our nation.
PM Shehbaz called for reflecting on the profound message of peace, brotherhood, and love for all humanity as taught by Prophet Jesus who preached values of compassion, kindness, mercy, and wisdom.
He paid tribute to the invaluable contributions made by Christian community for the progress and stability of Pakistan, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, and nation-building.
The prime minister wished joy and blessings to every home, and prayed that the coming year be filled with hope, peace, and success for our beloved country and its people.
