Payments will be made on December 22 to facilitate preparations amid the sharp rise in the cost of festive items.
Christians spread love and harmony in a pre-Christmas peace rally. A moving display of faith and unity marks the start of the holiday season. Photo: AFP
The federal government has announced that the salaries and pensions of Christian federal employees will be paid in advance to provide relief before Christmas.
According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Finance, payments will be made on December 22, allowing Christian employees and pensioners to carry out their religious celebrations and preparations comfortably. The advance payment applies to all eligible federal employees and retirees from the Christian community.
The Ministry of Finance has directed the Comptroller General of Accounts, Islamabad to take necessary arrangements for advance payments.
Prices for Christmas tree decorations, lights and other items in open markets have increased by 50% to 70% compared to last year. Christian shoppers say prices on clothing, shoes and gifts for children, men and women have increased up to 100% from a year ago.
Christian leaders and pastors, including Pastor Qaiser Masih, Pastor Asif Masih, Father Ilyas Masih and Central Leader Rashid Chauhan, have appealed to the federal and provincial governments to provide Christmas grants to Christian employees through Baitul Mal or Zakat funds, and to give Christmas bonuses and honorariums to all Christian workers.
Read: Christmas preparations illuminate the churches
Churches have begun decorating, repainting and carrying out renovation work, while Christian homes and colonies have also begun putting up Christmas trees. Open markets, shopping malls and bazaars are witnessing increased activity as Christian families begin their Christmas shopping, including purchasing items to decorate Christmas trees.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, CPO Khalid Hamdani, Chief Commissioner and IG Islamabad have announced foolproof security for all churches in Rawalpindi and Islamabad from December 20, which will continue till the New Year festivities.
CCTV cameras and entry gates are being installed in churches, and verification has been made mandatory. Women police officers will also be deployed and full security will be provided during Christmas Eve on December 24 and Christmas Day on December 25.
