Payments will be made on December 22 to ease preparations amid soaring spending on festive goods
Christians spread love and harmony at a peace meeting before Christmas. A heartwarming display of faith and unity marks the start of the festive season. Photo: AFP
The Federal Government has announced that the salaries and pensions of Christian federal employees will be paid in advance to provide relief ahead of Christmas.
According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Finance, the payments will be made on December 22 so that Christian employees and pensioners can complete their religious festivals and preparations with convenience. The advance payment applies to all eligible federal employees and retirees who belong to the Christian community.
The Ministry of Finance has directed the Islamabad General Controller of Accounts to arrange for the advance payments.
The prices of Christmas tree decorations, lights and other things in open markets have increased by 50% to 70% compared to last year. Christian shoppers say prices on clothes, shoes and gifts for children, men and women have increased by up to 100% on the previous year.
Christian leaders and pastors, including Reverend Qaiser Masih, Reverend Asif Masih, Father Ilyas Masih and Central Leader Rashid Chauhan, have appealed to the federal and provincial governments to provide Christmas stipends to Christian workers through Baitul Mal or Zakat funds and provide Christmas bonuses and honorarium to all Christian workers.
Read: Christmas preparations light up churches
Churches have started decorating, repainting and carrying out renovation work, while Christian homes and colonies have also started putting up Christmas trees. Open markets, commercial centers and bazaars are witnessing increased activity as Christian families begin their Christmas shopping, including purchasing items to decorate Christmas trees.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, CPO Khalid Hamdani, Chief Commissioner and IG Islamabad have announced foolproof security for all churches in Rawalpindi and Islamabad from December 20 which will continue till New Year celebrations.
CCTV cameras and walk-through gates are being installed in churches and checks have been declared mandatory. Lady police officers will also be deployed and full security will be provided on Christmas Eve, December 24 and Christmas Day, December 25.
