Like the rest of the world, the Christian community in Pakistan is celebrating the festival of Christmas with enthusiasm today.

Special prayer services were held in churches during which worshippers prayed for peace, progress and prosperity for Pakistan.

Across the country, churches have been beautifully illuminated with decorative lights, adding to the joy and colour of the occasion.

The festive mood has also spilled into local markets, where shoppers bought Christmas cakes and sweets in large quantities.

To ensure smooth celebrations on the festive occasion, security around churches has been tightened, with increased police presence and patrols in surrounding areas.

On the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their messages, said that Christmas brings a message of hope, peace and compassion.

The president said that the Christian community has rendered valuable services in various fields.

The prime minister expressed the hope that Christmas would bring peace, stability and prosperity to the country, adding that the efforts of the Christian community strengthen national development.

Both leaders emphasised that the Constitution guarantees equal rights and religious freedom to all citizens.

In his message, the prime minister said that Christmas conveys a universal message of love, peace, tolerance, and goodwill for all humanity.

He prayed that the birth anniversary of Hazrat Isa (AS), would bring peace, stability, and prosperity to the Christian community and the country.

The prime minister said Hazrat Isa (AS) holds a revered status in Islam as a great Prophet of Allah who preached peace, brotherhood, compassion, and righteous living.

Highlighting the role of the Christian community in Pakistan, he said that they were an active, positive and peaceful segment of society and had rendered commendable services in education, healthcare and other sectors, contributing to social harmony and national development.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Christian community in the fight against terrorism, saying their contributions alongside the rest of the nation were a source of pride for Pakistan.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he said ensuring equal rights, freedoms, economic well-being, and equal opportunities for all citizens without discrimination remained among the top priorities of the government.

The prime minister urged people of all faiths to work together for a strong, secure, and prosperous Pakistan and concluded by extending warm Christmas greetings to the Christian community.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that the 42-foot-tall Christmas tree installed at Liberty Chowk in Lahore symbolises love, respect and equality for minorities.

In a message shared on social media, she said that minority communities are an integral part of society.