Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have extended heartfelt greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world on the occasion of Christmas.

In his message, the prime minister said Christmas conveys a universal message of love, peace, tolerance, and goodwill for all humanity. He prayed that the birth anniversary of Hazrat Isa (AS), would bring peace, stability, and prosperity to the Christian community and the country.

The prime minister said Hazrat Isa (AS) holds a revered status in Islam as a great Prophet of Allah who preached peace, brotherhood, compassion, and righteous living.

In their separate messages, they said Christmas is a time of hope, peace and compassion that reminds us of the deep bonds uniting all people.

The President and Prime Minister paid tribute to contributions of Christian citizens of Pakistan in politics, national defence, education, literature, arts, music, health care, social welfare and public service.

They reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure interfaith harmony, protection of rights and freedoms, economic well-being, and equal opportunities for all citizens without any discrimination of religion, race, or ethnicity.

The Christian community in Pakistan is celebrating Christmas today as elsewhere in the world.  

Special programmes and services have been organized in Churches across the country to celebrate the festival. All the Churches have been decorated with colorful lights and illuminated Christmas trees.

The residential areas of Christian community have been decorated with twinkling lights and stars.