The Christian community in Pakistan is celebrating Christmas today with religious fervour and festive spirit, in line with celebrations around the world.
Special programmes and prayer services were held in churches across the country, which were adorned with colourful lights and illuminated Christmas trees. Residential areas of Christian communities were also decorated with twinkling lights and stars to mark the occasion.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif extended warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to Christian citizens of Pakistan and Christian communities worldwide.
In their separate messages, they said Christmas is a message of hope, peace and compassion, reminding humanity of the shared values that unite people across faiths.
The President and the Prime Minister paid tribute to the contributions of Christian citizens to Pakistan in fields including politics, national defence, education, literature, arts, music, healthcare, social welfare and public service.
They reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and ensuring the protection of rights, freedoms, economic well-being and equal opportunities for all citizens, without discrimination on the basis of religion, race or ethnicity.
