By Islamabad: Pakistani Nation enjoyed a public holiday on December 25, 2017 to remember the founder of the state Muhammad Ali Jinnah and celebrate with Pakistani Christians fellows with pride and gratitude as they mark the birth of Jesus.
According to MCR resources Sister Marinah. Principal of Presentation Convent Girls High School Sargodha, “At Christian festivals, like Christmas and Easter, a big procession takes place, in Lahore, from St. Anthony’s Church to the Cathedral. It takes hours to reach the Cathedral for the services.
“These are then celebrated with lots of enthusiasm! Before and during Advent, spiritual seminars take place to help people to prepare for Christmas or ‘Bara Din’ (which in Urdu and Punjabi means the ‘Big Day’). This expression is very popular, even among Muslims in Pakistan.”
Sunana William (A nun is Sargodha Catholic Church) told MCR, “During the last week of Advent, in many Christian areas, carol singing is performed by various groups.
“They go from house to house singing carols and in return the family offers something to the choir. Mostly the money collected from such carols is used for charity works or is given to the church.”
In areas where most Christians occupy, every house and trees are decorated with lights and stars.
As Prime Minister of Pakistan ShahidKhakan Abbasi congratulated all the Christians, he went to Quaid-e-Azam’s tomb to give tribute to the founder of the nation.
On Xmas day, people rejoice with dance, exchange presents and enjoy the special night.
According to national census scale, the Christians made up a very small part of the population; out of 162 million, they are about 5 million.
Reporter: Syeda Faiza Bukhari