TDCP organises free double-decker bus ride on Christmas eve

Vehicle takes community members from Cathedral Church to Governor House

LAHORE:

The Punjab Tourism Development Corporation Punjab (TDCP) offered a free double-decker bus service for the citizens celebrating Christmas.

The bus carrying passengers led by former provincial human rights minister Ijaz Alam Augustine left from the Cathedral Church and reached Governor House via Mall Road.

According to a news release, Lahore Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw, Reverend Dr Majeed Abel, Tourism Department MD Humira Akram, TDCP Director Ashfaq Dogar, and representatives of the YDF, lawyers, the civil society and the Christian community rode the bus.

The vehicle was decorated in elaborate style and songs marking the occasion were sung by the community members. Citizens also welcomed the Christmas bus riders on various roads.

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The TDCP managing director said on the occasion that the main purpose of the free bus service was to share in the joy of the Christian community and give them a Christmas gift on behalf of the department.

Augustine said he felt proud that all people in Pakistan, especially Punjab, were fully participating in the joys of the Christian community. He such initiatives would promote mutual love and harmony, while hatred would be eradicated.

The archbishop of Lahore said Christmas cakes had been cut in public and private institutions as an expression of solidarity with the community.

Dr Majeed Abel said the minorities across Pakistan were celebrating all their religious days with full enthusiasm and a positive image of the country was becoming prominent.

At the conclusion of the bus tour, Christian community members cut a Christmas cake along with the Punjab governor.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 25^th, 2023