The Christian community celebrated Easter on Sunday across the country with special prayer services held in churches amid heightened security measures to ensure safety.
Easter services took place between 9am and 12pm. To maintain security, personnel were deployed at churches nationwide, where walk-through gates and CCTV cameras had been installed.
On this occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended their greetings and best wishes to the Christian community in Pakistan.
In his message, the president said that Easter was a time of hope, renewal, and celebration of life. "It reminds us of compassion, sacrifice, and forgiveness.
The Christian community has always played a vital role in Pakistan's development. We deeply acknowledge their contributions in education, healthcare, social welfare, and public service," he said.
"We are proud of their dedication to peace, harmony, and coexistence in society," he added. "Our Constitution guarantees rights of minorities and we will continue to work for the uplift and empowerment of all minorities in Pakistan."
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed his warmest wishes to the Christian community, emphasising the significance of Easter as a symbol of faith and renewal.
"Easter reminds us of the enduring power of faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose message of compassion and love continues to inspire humanity," the prime minister stated.
Shehbaz praised the Christian community for its historical contributions to the formation of Pakistan and its continued role in the country's socio-economic progress. He hoped that Christians would remain active participants in shaping an inclusive and united Pakistan.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also congratulated the Christians on Easter, saying, "Easter teaches mutual respect and love. Christian citizens have played a key role in Pakistan's development. We respect all minorities and believe love and harmony lead to national progress."
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, while speaking at an Easter event in Lahore, said that the Christian community was playing a vital role in the development and progress of Pakistan.
"Pakistan is moving toward economic progress and development and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has put the country's economy on the path of development. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is serving people and has broken records of public service," he added.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi extended Easter greetings to the Christian community.
Naqvi conveyed best wishes to Christian brothers and sisters, saying that Easter is a symbol of hope, festival of sharing happiness and a manifestation of the spirit of goodness and inclination towards righteous qualities in human life.
"Easter is a reward for the Christian community and this religious festival has a message of love and brotherhood," he said.
He highlighted that the Christian community has not only contributed to the Pakistan Movement but is also playing its full role in the construction and development of the country.
The interior minister added that the love of the Christian community for the homeland is beyond doubt. (WITH INPUT FROM RADIO PAKISTAN)
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ