Christian federal employees to receive early salaries, pensions ahead of Christmas

Payments will be made on December 22 to ease preparations amid sharply rising costs of festive items

The federal government has announced that salaries and pensions of Christian federal employees will be paid in advance to grant relief ahead of Christmas.

According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Finance, the payments will be made on December 22, allowing Christian employees and pensioners to carry out their religious celebrations and preparations with convenience. The advance payment applies to all eligible federal employees and pensioners belonging to the Christian community.

The Ministry of Finance has instructed the Islamabad Controller General of Accounts to make arrangements for the advance payments.

Prices of Christmas tree decorations, lights and other items in open markets have risen by 50% to 70% 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% 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.

Read: Christmas preps light up churches

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.

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