In pictures: Christmas being celebrated across Pakistan

As the Christian community celebrates the festive occasion of the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ throughout Pakistan, we follow the Christmas festivities being celebrated in the true spirit of sharing happiness and joy with family members, loved ones and the entire nation.

A number of celebrations and Christmas prayers are being held across the country on Tuesday.

Christians started their day with ceremonies in churches amid beefed up security and prayed for country's sovereignty and prosperity. The community members have decorated their homes and religious places with lights. Residential colonies were also decorated with twinkling lights and stars, and baubles such as bells, pine cones, apples, candies, tinsel and balloons bedecked trees, streets, houses and churches.

Special Christmas trees are prepared to celebrate the occasion. Security has been ramped up at churches across the country. Police contingents have been deployed to protect churchgoers.

Christian girls exchange greetings’ after attending rituals service at St. Thomas Church civil line on Christmas Day in Hyderabad, Sindh. PHOTO: INP

Annual commemoration ceremony on the occasion of Christmas Day celebration held at a Church in Rawalpindi. PHOTO: PPI

Christian women and girls led Christmas Day prayers held at a Church in Rawalpindi. PHOTO: PPI

Christian community attend annual commemoration ceremony on the occasion of Christmas Day celebration held at a local Church in Hub, Balochistan. PHOTO: PPI

Security officials stand on high alert to avoid any untoward incident at a Methodist Church in Quetta. PHOTO: PPI

Christian girls hug and congratulate each other on the occasion of Christmas Day at the Methodist Church in Quetta. PHOTO: PPI

Christian worshipers observe Christmas Day prayers and rituals at the Methodist Church in Quetta. PHOTO: PPI

Christian women pray on the Christmas Day at the Methodist Church in Quetta. PHOTO: PPI

Christian women and children lead the religious prayers held on the day of Christmas at the St. John’s Cathedral Church in Peshawar. PHOTO: PPI

Christmas mass held at the St. John’s Cathedral Church in Peshawar. PHOTO: PPI

Christmas congregation observed at the St. John’s Cathedral Church in Peshawar. PHOTO: PPI

Christian girls attend ritual service on Christmas day in Faisalabad. PHOTO: INP

Members of Christian community praying at local church to celebrate Christmas in Lahore. PHOTO: ONLINE

Mass congregation held at local church observe Christmas Day prayers in Lahore. PHOTO: ONLINE

Christmas prayers held at local church observe the , to celebrate the birth anniversary of Christ in Lahore. PHOTO: ONLINE