Christmas celebrated across Pakistan amid tight security

Special prayer services were held in churches across Pakistan on Thursday as Christians celebrated Christmas amid tight security.

Authorities said extensive measures were put in place to ensure peaceful celebrations across major cities.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Government of Pakistan also shared Christmas messages on social media platform X, greeting the Christian community.

In Rawalpindi, churches hosted special prayer gatherings where messages of peace, love and interfaith harmony were delivered. A large number 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 personnel were deployed for Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Day security.

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

The police said the supervisory officers remained in constant coordination with the church administrations. Islamabad Safe City cameras were used to monitor events, while patrolling units and special squads were deployed around churches and Christian populated areas.

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In Rawalpindi, police implemented enhanced security and traffic arrangements following the instructions of city police officer Syed Khalid Hamdani.

More than 5,600 police officers and over 350 traffic police officers were deployed. Special picket lines were set up in 57 locations, while officers were deployed in public places, parks and Christian cemeteries.

Elite commandos, Dolphin Force units and mobile police teams conducted patrols. Visitors were only allowed access to 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 feet tall Christmas tree installed at the busy intersection.

Read more: In pictures: Christmas celebrated around the world

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the display reflected religious harmony and respect for minorities. She said it symbolized love, diversity and inclusion, adding that minorities in Punjab were safe, valued and respected.

She said Punjab belonged to all 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.

Separately, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah congratulated the Christian community on the birthday 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 community’s role in Pakistan’s development, particularly through missionary schools.

Murad said minorities enjoyed fundamental rights in Pakistan, adding that Sindh had always respected and protected followers of all religions.

Christmas celebrations were also seen in Karachi and other cities.

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Meanwhile, bakeries in Rawalpindi and Islamabad reported an increase in sales of Christmas cakes.

Shopkeepers said demand peaked from Christmas Eve, with cakes sold in flavors including chocolate, mango, pineapple and banana. Cakes decorated with Christmas trees and Santa were featured prominently.

Prices soared, with small cakes selling for Rs1,000 to Rs1,500, medium cakes for Rs2,000 to Rs2,500, and premium cakes priced between Rs3,000 and Rs3,500.

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