The Christmas community is all set to celebrate Christmas today (Sunday) with traditional fervor.
Almost all big and small churches have been festooned with colourful lights to celebrate the blessed day of the birth of Jesus Christ (AS).
Arrangements have been finalized for full-day masses at different churches across the country amid tight security as the country sees a surge in terror activities. Bakeries are struggling to cope up with the added demand of cakes, while restaurants are also ready for additional rush that Christmas usually brings.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif felicitated the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world on Christmas. “Christmas gives a message of love, brotherhood and tolerance and these values play a crucial role in putting a society on the path of development,” the prime minister said in a message. The prime minister added that there was a need to promote interfaith harmony and religious tolerance across the world.
He went on to say that the sacrifices of the Christian community for the integrity and solidarity of Pakistan were unforgettable. “In Pakistan, every person has complete religious freedom and the constitution of Pakistan gives a special protection to minorities,” he asserted.
The minorities have complete liberty to worship according to their religion, he added.
Sharif said Pakistan was passing through a difficult time and the entire nation should unite and work day and night for the progress and prosperity of the country.
In his message, President Dr Arif Alvi said the government is committed to protecting fundamental rights of minorities in Pakistan.
“I am delighted that the government has taken steps to empower minorities. Undoubtedly, minorities in Pakistan are actively contributing to the development and prosperity of the country,” he added.
