Christmas celebrated across Pakistan amid tight security measures

Special prayer services were held in churches across Pakistan on Thursday as Christians celebrated Christmas under tight security.

Authorities said comprehensive measures were implemented to ensure peaceful celebrations in 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 organized special prayer meetings 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 measures.

Police said supervisory officers remained in constant coordination with church administrations. Islamabad Safe City cameras were used to monitor events, while patrol units and special squads were deployed around churches and Christian-populated areas.

Read: Christmas preparation gives it a capital festive look

In Rawalpindi, police implemented enhanced traffic and security measures following instructions from city police officer Syed Khalid Hamdani.

More than 5,600 police officers and more than 350 traffic police officers were deployed. Special pickets were established at 57 locations, while officers were stationed in 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 set up at the busy intersection.

Read more: In pictures: Christmas celebrated around the world

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the display reflected religious harmony and respect for minorities. He said it symbolized love, diversity and inclusion, adding that minorities in Punjab were safe, valued and respected.

He said Punjab belonged to everyone and all religions and cultures were entitled to equal respect. Observers said the initiative projected a positive image of Pakistan and encouraged the Christian community.

On the other hand, 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 holiday for Christians and highlighted the religion’s message of peace, love and brotherhood. He recognized the role of the community in the development of Pakistan, particularly through mission schools.

Murad said minorities enjoy fundamental rights in Pakistan, adding that Sindh has always respected and protected followers of all religions.

Christmas celebrations were also seen in Karachi and other cities.

Also read: The churches of the twin cities adorn the festive atmosphere

Meanwhile, bakeries in Rawalpindi and Islamabad reported an increase in sales of Christmas cakes.

Traders said demand peaked on Christmas Eve, with cakes sold in flavors including chocolate, mango, pineapple and banana. Cakes decorated with Christmas trees and Santa Claus were prominently displayed.

Prices rose sharply with small cakes selling between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500, medium cakes between Rs 2,000 and Rs 2,500 and premium cakes priced between Rs 3,000 and Rs 3,500.

Despite the increase, shoppers said Christmas celebrations seemed incomplete without cakes.