Amid tight security, Christian community on Sunday celebrated the Christmas festivity with religious zeal and traditional fervour across the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fata. To mark the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ (AS), the special services were held in churches in the city and other parts of the province, while prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of the country.
Stringent security arrangements were taken around different churches in Peshawar cantonment and city areas. According to the community people, Christmas prayers were offered in the churches at many places, including Kohati Gate, Yakatoot, Gulbahar, Mall Road, Sir Syed Road and Umeedabad areas.
Members of the Christian community in Peshawar performed prayers and other rituals at 21 churches of the city. Christians celebrate Christmas like Muslims celebrate Eid festivities and wear new clothes and cook special foods on the occasion.
The festivity began since late night of the Saturday, as members of Christian community, took to streets to celebrate the occasion with religious zeal. Streets, houses and buildings have been decorated with the traditional Christmas tree and lights. Special Christmas cakes and candies are being prepared as part of the festivities. People disguised as Santa Claus are busy distributing Christmas presents to children.
While speaking on the occasion, the pastors highlighted the teachings of Hazrat Essa (AS) and asked the people to follow his footprints. They asked the people of different communities, including Muslims, to love each other, strengthen mutual communication and work for restoration of peace and tranquility as it was need of the hour.
Meanwhile, the Chrismas was celebrated in Mohmand Agency, Landi Kotal Khyber Agency, Frontier Region DI Khan, along with Mingora Swat, Mardan, Swabi, and other parts of the province.