PNN: Special prayer services were held at churches across Pakistan on Thursday as Christians celebrated Christmas under strict security arrangements.
Authorities said comprehensive measures were put in place to ensure peaceful celebrations across major cities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the government of Pakistan also shared Christmas messages on social media platform X, extending greetings to the Christian community.
In Rawalpindi, churches hosted special prayer gatherings where messages of peace, love and interfaith harmony were delivered. Large numbers of Christian men, women and children attended the services, while special hymns were sung to mark Christmas.
In Islamabad, police said more than 3,500 officers and personnel were deployed for Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Day security.
Armed police personnel were stationed at churches, while additional contingents were deployed at sensitive locations. Deputy Inspector General of Police Muhammad Jawad Tariq personally supervised the security arrangements.
Police said supervisory officers remained in constant coordination with church administrations. Islamabad Safe City cameras were used to monitor events, while patrolling units and special squads were deployed around churches and Christian-populated areas.
In Rawalpindi, police implemented enhanced security and traffic arrangements on the instructions of City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani.
More than 5,600 police personnel and over 350 traffic police officers were deployed. Special pickets were set up at 57 locations, while officers were stationed at public places, parks and Christian cemeteries.
Elite Commandos, Dolphin Force units and mobile police teams carried out patrols. Visitors were allowed entry to churches only after complete body searches. Authorities said all available resources were being used to ensure foolproof security.
In Lahore, Liberty Chowk was decorated for Christmas, with a 42-foot-tall Christmas tree installed at the busy intersection.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the display reflected religious harmony and respect for minorities. She said it symbolised love, diversity and inclusion, adding that minorities in Punjab were safe, valued and respected.
She said Punjab belonged to everyone and that all religions and cultures were entitled to equal respect. Observers said the initiative projected a positive image of Pakistan and encouraged the Christian community.
Separately, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah congratulated the Christian community on the birth anniversary of Hazrat Isa (Jesus Christ).
He said Christmas was the most important festival for Christians and highlighted the religion’s message of peace, love and brotherhood. He acknowledged the community’s role in Pakistan’s development, particularly through missionary schools.
Murad said minorities enjoyed fundamental rights in Pakistan and added that Sindh had always respected and protected followers of all religions.
Christmas celebrations were also seen in Karachi and other cities.
Meanwhile, bakeries in Rawalpindi and Islamabad reported a surge in Christmas cake sales.
Shopkeepers said demand peaked from Christmas Eve, with cakes sold in flavours including chocolate, mango, pineapple and banana. Cakes decorated with Christmas trees and Santa Claus were prominently displayed.
Prices rose sharply, with small cakes selling for Rs1,000 to Rs1,500, medium-sized cakes for Rs2,000 to Rs2,500, and premium cakes priced between Rs3,000 and Rs3,500.
Despite the increase, buyers said Christmas celebrations felt incomplete without cakes.