President, Prime Minister greet as Christian community celebrates Easter across Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday paid tribute to the Christian community in Pakistan and the world on the joyous occasion of Easter, according to Radio Pakistan.

The Christian community in Pakistan and around the world celebrates Easter today with religious fervor and devotion to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In his message on X, President Zardari said the day symbolized compassion, hope, renewal, rebirth and the triumph of good over evil. He also praised the role of the Christian community throughout Pakistan and said that their contribution is an integral part of the society and deserves recognition and respect.

In a separate announcement, Prime Minister Shehbaz said Easter carries a universal message of love and renewed hope for all of humanity.

He added that the day embodies the values ​​of sacrifice and forgiveness, as well as peace, tolerance, brotherhood and goodwill, promoting social cohesion and interfaith harmony.

The Premier further noted that the Christian community continues to play an active and invaluable role in the country’s economic and social development.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the occasion symbolized hope, love, sacrifice and new beginnings and called for the promotion of tolerance, mutual respect and brotherhood. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of minorities and ensuring the safety of places of worship.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Easter teaches faith, compassion and sacrifice and praised the Christian community for its contribution to education, health, defense and national development.

Urging the citizens to uphold unity, tolerance and inclusiveness, he called for a Pakistan that values ​​diversity and ensures dignity, peace and equal opportunities for all.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah described Easter as a symbol of religious harmony and brotherhood, reaffirmed the PPP government’s commitment to minority rights and highlighted Sindh’s heritage of tolerance and Sufi values.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the Christian community is peaceful and respectable and continues to contribute to the country’s development. She highlighted steps like increased subsidies and introduction of a minority card to provide financial assistance.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said Easter conveys a universal message of love, hope and peace, adding that religious festivals promote harmony and brotherhood among religions. He reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens.

Read also: The Christian community celebrates Easter today

Special Easter services were held in churches from 8.30am to 11am, which were decorated with colorful flags and lights.

The government has implemented foolproof security arrangements for churches across the country, including all churches in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, even those in informal settlements.

Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) police remained on high alert and deployed personnel to ensure the security of churches and worshipers during Easter, APP reported.

SSP Operations Qazi Ali Raza visited several locations, reviewed security arrangements and instructed officers to maintain vigilance, monitor suspicious activities and perform duties with professionalism.

He also emphasized treating worshipers with respect while ensuring a safe environment.