Christian community celebrates Easter today

Churches in Pindi, Islamabad placed under strict security amid threats

RAWALPINDI:

The Christian community in Pakistan will celebrate Easter on Sunday with religious fervour and devotion, in line with celebrations taking place worldwide.

In view of security threats, authorities have made foolproof security arrangements for churches of all sizes in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, including those in informal settlements.

Special Easter services will be held from 8:30am to 11am. Churches have been decorated with colourful flags and lights.

Saturday was marked as a busy shopping day for the community, similar to Chaand Raat, with families thronging markets until midnight.

Community leaders, including Pastor Asif, Rashid Chauhan and Rumi, said Easter is about sharing joy. They said special prayers would be offered in churches for Pakistan's development, prosperity and security.

They noted that the white in Pakistan's national flag represents minorities and stated that minorities are fully safe in the country. They also expressed gratitude to the Islamabad Inspector General of Police and the Rawalpindi City Police Officer for ensuring strict security arrangements.

A police spokesperson said comprehensive measures have been taken, including deployment of personnel outside churches, entry through walk-through gates and monitoring through CCTV cameras from a central control room.