The Christian community in Pakistan and worldwide is celebrating Christmas with religious and traditional fervour today (Sunday) to mark the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ (PBUH).
Special services are being held in churches across the country, and prayers are being offered for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
Streets, houses and buildings have been decorated with the traditional Christmas tree and lights. Special Christmas cakes and candies are being prepared as part of the festivities. People disguised as Santa Claus are busy distributing Christmas presents to children.
A special Christmas Peace Train was launched by Pakistan Railways earlier this month to express solidarity with the Christian community.
Adorned with Christmas lights and mock snowmen, and with carriages carrying portraits and tributes to notable Christian Pakistanis, the train is aimed at spreading the message of peace and tolerance in Pakistan.
The Christmas Train reached Lahore from Rawalpindi on its cross-country journey, where it was welcomed by the Federal Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Kamran Michael on Saturday.
The minister cut the Christmas cake on the occasion while a large number of people including the Christian community were also present to welcome the Peace Train. The Train will stay in Lahore till Monday and restart its journey to its final destination Karachi.
Talking to media at Lahore Railway Station, Kamran Michael said that the Peace Train was a joint initiative of Pakistan Railways and Ministry of Human Rights with an objective to promote tolerance, peace and equality in the society.
He said that the entire nation was united to eliminate terrorism and establish durable peace in Pakistan, and the Christian community stood shoulder to shoulder with the nation.
