ASIA/PAKISTAN - Christians give the nation the spirit of Christmas: fraternity and peace

Karachi (Agenzia Fides) - With Christmas approaching, the civil administrations of Pakistani provinces have implemented special measures to ensure maximum security near Christian churches.
These measures were taken in the various districts after consultation and coordination with Christian communities and church leaders. The measures include the deployment of security forces, as well as traffic control, lighting, and street cleaning.
“Following the attacks in Pakistan and the recent events related to the conflict with Afghanistan, there is widespread fear of terrorist attacks in Pakistani society. The government's plan for alerting and protecting sensitive locations also includes churches, especially during the Christmas season,” Father Qaisar Feroz OFM Cap, parish priest in Lahore and communications officer for the Pakistani Bishops' Conference, told Fides.
Security checks are planned at the entrances to churches, and to organize these, “meetings were held between police authorities and Christian representatives to define collaboration. Officers also visited several churches to review security measures and provide necessary instructions,” reports Father Feroz. “Government authorities have stated that the protection of people, property, and the peaceful coexistence of minorities is the highest priority,” he continues. Meanwhile, the police in Islamabad have urged citizens to report any suspicious activity immediately. At the same time, Christians are trying “to live the spirit of Christmas and convey it to all Pakistanis, regardless of their religion, as an opportunity for fraternity and peaceful coexistence,” the priest notes. “Two public events took place in Lahore in recent days,” reports Father Feroz, “one organized by government authorities, the other by the Catholic community. Both emphasized that Christmas is a holiday that conveys a message of peace,” he affirms. The Capuchin friar speaks positively about the initiative organized by the civil authorities: “The joyful Christmas initiative was organized by the Ministry of Minority Affairs of the Punjab government. The gathering began at the Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and ended in Freedom Square in Lahore. It was an opportunity for interfaith unity and harmony, where people came together to share messages of peace and joy. At this event, Pakistani Christians had the opportunity to reaffirm the true spirit of Christmas—love, hope, and unity.” “Christians are messengers of peace, in a time marked by conflict and hostilities,” Father Feroz continues. “At Christmas, Christ Jesus, the Prince of Peace, gives us the spirit of reconciliation and peace. And we give it to the nation, to the Muslim faithful and other religious communities, to governments, to the neighboring populations in India and Afghanistan, with whom there are currently tensions, in the hope of restoring peaceful relations,” he notes.
A public event for peace, organized by the local Christian community with the participation of civil and religious representatives, is planned for December 21 in Karachi. Interfaith gatherings are taking place in various cities across Pakistan to mark Christmas, organized by Catholic parishes, associations, dioceses, and study centers, all aimed at reaffirming the desire for peace and fraternity. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 18/12/2025)

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