Christmas preps light up churches

Christian colonies get new look, shopping activity surges

RAWALPINDI:

As Christmas approaches, preparations have reached their peak in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Churches have begun decorating, repainting and carrying out renovation work, while Christian homes and colonies have also started setting up Christmas trees.

Open markets, commercial centres and bazaars are witnessing increased activity as Christian families begin their Christmas shopping, including purchasing items for decorating Christmas trees.

The federal and Punjab governments have announced that all Christian employees, including sanitary workers, will receive their salaries, pensions and an honorarium on December 19 in connection with Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, CPO Khalid Hamdani, the chief commissioner and the IG Islamabad have announced foolproof security for all churches in Rawalpindi and Islamabad starting from December 20, which will continue until the New Year festivities.

CCTV cameras and walk-through gates are being installed in churches, and checking has been declared mandatory. Lady police officers will also be deployed.

Complete security will be provided for Christmas Eve on December 24 and Christmas Day on December 25.

Prices of Christmas tree decorations, lights and other items in open markets have risen by 50 to 70 per cent compared to last year. Christian shoppers say the prices of clothing, shoes and gifts for children, men and women have increased by up to 100 per cent over the previous year.

Christian leaders and pastors, including Pastor Qaiser Masih, Pastor Asif Masih, Father Ilyas Masih and central leader Rashid Chauhan, have appealed to the federal and provincial governments to provide Christmas grants to Christian employees through Baitul Mal or Zakat funds, and to give Christmas bonuses and honoraria to all Christian workers.

They demanded special Christmas bazaars—similar to Ramazan bazaars—for poor and middle-class Christian families. They also called for a crackdown against habitual sellers of toxic local liquor, whether Christian or otherwise, during the Christmas period, and urged authorities to obtain affidavits from known liquor sellers in police stations to prevent sales until New Year.

They stressed that Christian families in colonies should not be harassed under the pretext of liquor checking.

The leaders welcomed the announcement of foolproof security for churches, saying Christians are patriotic citizens who have rendered great sacrifices.

They said the green and white colours of the national flag represent peace and the inclusion of minorities.

They also demanded five holidays for CDA, Municipal Corporation and RWMC employees on Christmas.