RAWALPINDI: The Christian community in Rawalpindi celebrated Christmas with great enthusiasm, and Army Chief Gen Syed Asim Munir joined the festivities at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, where the city’s largest gathering took place. His presence highlighted the spirit of inclusivity and harmony.
The congregation warmly welcomed the army chief and expressed gratitude for his support. The cathedral was beautifully decorated with purple covers and flowers, as purple is associated with royalty, wealth, and authority in Christianity. Priests also wore purple attire to mark the occasion.
Churches in Rawalpindi held midnight and morning services, with prayers offered for the festive day. Locally, Christmas trees were decorated, and special meals, including cakes, biryani, and fried chicken, were prepared. Christian communities in areas like Mohanpura, Westridge Bazaar, and Dhoke Ratta also decorated their homes and enjoyed music and family gatherings.
Children were particularly excited, receiving new clothes and gifts. Despite the cold weather and low gas pressure affecting cooking, people gathered at churches like Sacred Heart Church in Westridge to celebrate.
The local police ensured security at the churches, while various city services organized events for over 4,000 Christian workers.
Speaking at the Christmas Mass, Gen Munir acknowledged the vital contributions of minority communities, including Christians, to Pakistan’s development. He emphasized that Christmas represents the universal values of compassion, generosity, and goodwill, which unite the diverse society of Pakistan.
