Christmas preparations gain momentum

As the festive spirit of Christmas draws near, the Christian community in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi bustles with vibrant preparations. Homes and churches adorn themselves with the embellishments of Christmas trees, flags, twinkling lights, and radiant electric lamps, painting a delightful picture of the approaching celebration.

To ensure security measures are in place, a significant police presence has been initiated in the vicinity of churches. Access to Christmas night and all other church events will be regulated through walk-through gates, bolstering safety protocols.

Closed-circuit security cameras are being installed within every church, enhancing vigilance and monitoring. Moreover, a continuous police presence from 8am to 12pm every Sunday till Christmas will be maintained across all churches.

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To enable widespread participation of the Christian community in the festive season, all Christian employees within the federal and provincial governments will receive their salaries on December 18. Additionally, from December 24 to 26, three holidays have been granted to employees to celebrate and joy Christmas with their friends and family.

Meanwhile, the onset of Christmas shopping has also begun in markets, plazas, and commercial centres. Shopkeepers have unveiled a delightful array of new dresses, sweaters, jackets, and coats, all set to amplify the joyous celebration of Christmas.

Moreover, the demand for Christmas tree decoration items has also surged noticeably across city markets. Interestingly, this year, shopkeepers have raised the prices of all decoration items, encompassing those specifically tailored for Christmas trees. The festive air has extended market hours across the city, allowing them to remain open till late at night.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 7^th, 2023.