Easter preparations in full swing

Decoration of churches and Easter shopping gain momentum in twin cities

RAWALPINDI:

The Christian community in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad will celebrate Easter with great zeal and fervour on March 31. March 29 will be the community’s Good Friday.

On the occasion of Easter, the Christian community has stepped up its shopping spree. The government has also issued instructions to pay salaries to the Christian employees of all institutions by March 25. March 30 will be the last fast and will be the moon night of the Christian community.

As Easter approaches, the shopping activities of the Christian community in markets and commercial centres have also reached their peak. Commercial Market, Moti Bazar, Saddar, Asia’s largest Tench Bhatta Bazar, Raja Bazar, Iqbal Road and commercial plazas are open till 1am these days.

After the shopping of the Christian community is completed, the Muslim community’s Eidul Fitr shopping will reach its peak. Easter and Eidul Fitr are also almost coming together, giving major benefits to businessmen and traders. Cashing in on the situation, traders have also hiked the prices of all types of garments, shoes and artificial jewellery for females.

Customers’ rush to the markets till late hours has disturbed the traffic flow in the city. Bohar Bazaar, Saddar Bazaar, Iqbal Road, Raja Bazaar and Moti Bazaar have witnessed severe traffic problems.

On the other hand, Christians have started decorating the churches situated in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Special prayers are also being held.

Police have prepared a foolproof security plan for Easter and Eidul Fitr. Policemen will be deployed outside all churches. The CCTV cameras will be installed at all churches till the conclusion of the Easter day.

Christian leaders Babu Sajid and Rashid Chauhan have urged foolproof security of the churches on the eve of Easter.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2024.