Christian community celebrated Christmas.

LAHORE -- Christian community has celebrated Christmas across Pakistan like elsewhere in the world.

Special services were held in Churches to celebrate the festival.

The Christian community has illuminated homes and churches while special Christmas Bazars have been set up for shopping. Almost all churches have been decorated with colorful lights and Christmas trees.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has wished the country's Christian community a very 'Happy Christmas', advising them to observe the COVID-19 SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) as well to stay safe.

'Wishing all our Christian citizens a very Happy Christmas. Please stay safe by observing COVID-19 SOPs,' the Prime Minster said Thursday in a tweet posted on his social media account.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has extended felicitations to the Christian community on the Christmas Day.

In a message, he regretted that he could not attend the Christmas cake cutting ceremony because of self-isolation due to Covid-19.

'I fully share the joys and happiness of the Christian community as the festival of Christmas provides a unique opportunity to further strengthen the bonds of unity, love and affection.' The auspicious advent of Jesus Christ to this world is sacred and respectable for the Muslims, the CM added.

It is sanguine that all the religious minorities enjoy complete freedom, protection and equal rights to live according to their religion, he said and added that the Christians community has played an important role in national development. Meanwhile, the Punjab government chalked out a minority empowerment package for the welfare of the minorities and solid steps have been taken for the wellbeing of all the minorities, he said.

The minorities' employment quota has been...