PESHAWAR: Like in all the other parts of the country the Christian community celebrated Christmas with religious zeal and fervour across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA while the Qaud-e-Azam’s birthday anniversary was also celebrated with national zeal on Sunday.
Colourful ceremonies were held in various churches of Peshawar city and cantonment areas. The churches were illuminated with light and decoration pieces and special prayers were offered for the peace and prosperity of the country. The main function was held in All Saint Church Kohati Peshawar where Bishop Humphrey Sarfaraz Peter of the Diocese of Peshawar addressed the occasion.
He prayed for the restoration of durable peace in the country and urged the people to remain peaceful and united and work for the development of the country. He also called for unity against terrorism and conspiracies hatched by anti-state elements. He congratulated the Christian community for celebrating Christmas and urged upon them to follow the teaching of Jesus Christ (PBUH)Hazrat Isa.
The Christian community members were keen to enjoy the relative peace prevailing environment of Christmas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Along with the Christmas service, prayers were also offered for the peace and prosperity of the Christian community and the Pakistani nation on the eve of the Qaud-e-Azam Day which is also celebrated on the same day – the 25th of December. Families also exchanged visits and attended Christmas parties. Houses were also decorated with Christmas trees, made of plastic, lights and other decorative items. Apart from Peshawar, most of the Christians members of the community also thronged churches and the markets in Mardan, Nowshera, Risalpur, Abbottabad, Haripur, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Parachinar, etc.
Meanwhile Christmas and the birthday of Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah was also celebrated with religious zeal and enthusiasm in Landi Kotal Khyber Agency.
In this connection a simple but impressive gathering was organised at a church inside the premises of forces cantonment. Wing commander Lieutenant Col Saeed was the chief guest on the occasion.
Scores of Christian families attended the prayers moot. Members of the Christian community presented tableau and religious songs regarding the religious day. The Bishop offered prayers for the prosperity and solidarity of the country.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Colonel Saeed, said that all rights had been bestowed on the minorities and they were free to practice their religious rites independently.
He said that if the citizens of Pakistan sincerely followed the golden principle and work of the Quaid-e-Azam all the problems being faced by them would be resolved. At the end a cake was cut and sweets were distributed. In Mohmand agency Christmas day was celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in the headquarters Ghalanai Catholic church.