LAHORE: Like other parts of the world, Christian community in Pakistan will mark Christmas on Wednesday (today) with traditional fervour. Special services will be held in churches across the country to celebrate the festival.
Residential colonies of Christian community have been decorated with twinkling lights and stars. Wreaths were hung outside stores buzzing with last-minute shopping on Christmas Eve.
Almost all the churches have been decorated with colourful lights and illuminated with Christmas trees. The government has made elaborative security arrangements to avert any untoward incident on this occasion.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said that the Christian community is very close to the heart of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, who does not consider people of any other religion as minorities.
Under Maryam Nawaz’s government, minorities receive the same facilities as the majority, Azma said while addressing a ceremony held in honour of the Christian community at 90 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam.
Azma Bokhari said, “Today, I am representing Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz at this magnificent Christmas event, and I am delighted to be here. Undoubtedly, Christmas is a very significant day for all of us. The Punjab government has taken numerous steps for religious minorities, including the introduction of minority cards, which will be a significant milestone. Additionally, the Christmas grant has been increased.”
She also mentioned that the day before, during an important meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, strict instructions were given to the district administration and all Deputy Commissioners to ensure robust security arrangements at all churches on Christmas and to leave no stone unturned in terms of cleanliness and decoration.
Azma Bokhari emphasized that this event is not only for the Christian community but also for the Punjab government. She added that the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally visited Maryamabad on Easter and participated in Baisakhi celebrations with the Sikh community. She celebrated Diwali with the Hindu community. These actions prove that there is no discrimination in the Punjab government based on religion, Azma added.
Azma Bokhari extended an invitation to all participants to attend a cultural event at Alhambra Hall on December 25, stating, “The coincidence of the birthdays of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Mian Nawaz Sharif, and Christmas on the same day has multiplied our joy.”
She further said, “The Christian community serves us throughout the year, and now it is our turn to serve them. Our government has launched several initiatives for the welfare of minorities to improve their economic, social, and educational conditions.”
She said that various measures are being taken in Punjab for the Christian community, including scholarships, health services, and financial aid programmes. The government has introduced educational programmes and scholarships for Christian community children to help them pursue a better future, she added.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024
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