Christians are celebrating Christmas today amid the threat of a new coronavirus variant – Omicron – which has again limited the celebrations to closed spaces following the SOPs to stem the virus spread.

The new variant, which was detected, last month in South Africa, according to a few studies does not appear to be less severe than the Delta variant that had caused havoc in India. However, the World Health Organization earlier this week said that the Omicron variant was spreading faster than the Delta variant and was causing infections in people already vaccinated or who have recovered from the Covid-19 disease.

President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan and other state officials wished the community on the joyous occasion.

In a message shared on Twitter, President Alvi wished the community in the country and all over the world a merry Christmas. The government was committed to providing equal opportunities to all Pakistanis including our minorities, it read, adding that the citizens “enjoy all rights” and the government has undertaken a number of measures to empower them in all spheres of life.

“I am immensely happy to say that minorities in Pakistan are actively contributing to the development and prosperity of the country. This reflects the inter-faith harmony and profound cohesion between all faiths being practised across the country,” it read.

PM Imran also issued a statement and separately made a tweet to wish the community.

“The festivities of Christmas teach us universal love, brotherhood, tolerance and self-sacrifice which plays a pivotal role in moving any society on the path of development,” he said, “The birth of Prophet Jesus is considered a symbol of peace, brotherhood, tolerance and respect for the entire humanity throughout the world. He not only healed the ailing humanity but preached the divine values of tolerance, love and compassion. He guided people towards virtuous living and urged them to seek divine mercy. As a divine messenger, Prophet Jesus’ teachings are for adherents of all religions.”

The PM lauded the services rendered by the Christian community in the fields of defence, education, health as well as economic development of the country.

“Being equal citizens of the state, the government will empower them to use their abilities for national development. Our policies are geared towards creating harmony and cohesion between people of all faiths,” he added.

Moreover, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri also issued separate statements to felicitate the Christian community.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi shared a GIF to wish the community.

The CJCSC and services chiefs also extended felicitations to the Christian community in the armed forces and across Pakistan on Christmas. "From the creation of Pakistan to date their sacrifices and contributions in service of Pakistan are phenomenal," read a tweet.

Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood also felicitated the community.

(With input from APP)