Christmas celebrated across Pakistan under tight security

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

Authorities said comprehensive measures had been put in place 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, conveying wishes to the Christian community.

In Rawalpindi, churches held special prayer gatherings during which 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 staff were deployed to ensure security on Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Day.

Armed police were stationed at churches, while additional contingents were deployed to sensitive locations. Deputy Inspector General of Police Muhammad Jawad Tariq personally supervised the security arrangements.

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

Read: Preparing for Christmas gives a festive look to the capital

In Rawalpindi, police implemented enhanced security and traffic measures on the instructions of municipal police officer Syed Khalid Hamdani.

More than 5,600 police officers and more than 350 traffic police officers have been deployed. Special pickets were set up at 57 locations, while police were stationed in public places, parks and Christian cemeteries.

Elite commandos, Dolphin Force units and mobile police teams carried out patrols. Visitors were only allowed to enter churches after a full body search. 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.

Learn more: In pictures: Christmas celebrated around the world

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the exhibition reflected religious harmony and respect for minorities. She said it symbolizes love, diversity and inclusion, adding that Punjab’s minorities are safe, valued and respected.

She 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.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah congratulated the Christian community on the occasion of 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 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 held in Karachi and other cities.

Read also: Twin Cities churches adorn festive outlook

Meanwhile, bakeries in Rawalpindi and Islamabad reported a sharp rise in Christmas cake sales.

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

Prices have risen sharply with small cakes selling for Rs 1,000-1,500, medium-sized cakes for Rs 2,000-2,500 and high-end cakes for Rs 3,000-3,500.

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