The Christian community in Pakistan is celebrating Christmas today with zeal and zest as special prayers are being held in churches across the country.

President Arif Alvi felicitated the Christian community and observed that Jesus Christ as a Messenger of Allah is venerable not only to Christians but also to Muslims. In his message, the president said:

"I extend my heartfelt felicitations to our Christian brethren in Pakistan and all over the world on the joyous occasion of Christmas and wish them a happy new year. Christmas is an occasion to share the happiness and blessings of God with our loved ones."

Prime Minister Imran Khan also extended greetings to the Christian community. In his message, the premier said that Prophet Jesus was sent to this world as a symbol of peace, brotherhood, and respect for the entire humanity.

The prime minister took to Twitter to reaffirm the government's efforts to preserve the sanctity of existence and equality of opportunities enjoyed by all Pakistanis including the minorities. In a series of tweets, he said:

"On this happy occasion of Christmas, I extend my heartiest felicitations and wish #MerryChristmas to our Christian brethren in Pakistan and all over the world...I am immensely happy to note that minorities in Pakistan are actively contributing to the development and prosperity of the country without any hindrance including politics, social services, military, education, health, and many other spheres."

The prime minister also said that the active participation of minorities in the progress of Pakistan reflects the communal harmony and profound cohesion between all faiths practiced across the length and breadth of the country.