Christmas was observed on Thursday in a simple and sombre manner in various parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the tribal belt in the wake of the Peshawar school carnage.
Eye of the storm
With the memory of the Army Public School (APS) attack still afresh, no one in Peshawar was in a celebratory mood.
Earlier, on Wednesday, the clergy in Peshawar announced the holiday would not be observed with full gusto and enthusiasm.
As a result, Christmas Eve was celebrated under a dark cloud. Priests at churches across the city led special services from Wednesday evening till midnight. They also offered special prayers for the APS victims.
The holiday spirit appeared to have been crushed under the weight of the incredible tragedy, echoing the sombre mood of Christmas past. In 2013, the city was still reeling from the All Saints Church attack—twin suicide blasts which took over 100 lives.
Unlike the years prior, few Christmas trees could be seen bedecked with lights and Santas were missing from churches. Even at home, Christians prayed for the children who lost their lives in the massacre.
After the fact
Police and the armed forces were deployed outside all churches in the cantonment area.
At All Saints Church in Kohati Gate—which was targeted by militants last year—Christians sang hymns to pay tribute to Jesus Christ. Christians chose to perform the songs with a harmonium out of respect as other instruments were deemed too cheery in a city gripped by sorrow. A candlelight vigil was also held outside the church later in the night.
“This Christmas, we must vow to serve humanity regardless of caste or religion,” said Pastor Pervaiz at All Saints Church. “Only then can our society come out of this quagmire.”
Christmas lights and decorations were replaced with flowers at St Michael’s Church in memory of the APS victims. Everyone in attendance also brought flowers with them.
“How can we celebrate when the city is mourning,” George Masih, a priest at St Michael’s Church told The Express Tribune. “According to Christians, Jesus Christ was born today and it is only fitting that we remember the children who lost their lives in the APS incident.”
Masih estimated that after the special services, most Christians will celebrate in a quiet manner by visiting family and friends and exchanging presents.
Diocese of Peshawar (DOP) Bishop Humphrey Peter Sarfaraz told The Express Tribune, “Christmas is a day of peace and harmony” and urged people to offer special prayers for the country’s progress.
Mardan
The holiday was also celebrated in a subdued manner in Mardan.
Members of Northern Dioceses arranged a special ceremony at a wedding hall which was attended by a large number of families.
A moment of silence was observed for the victims of the Peshawar carnage.
Christians gather at St John’s Church in Kohati Gate to observe a somber Christmas as people of the city are still reeling from the Army Public School massacre. PHOTOS: MUHAMMAD IQBAL/EXPRESS
Speaking at the occasion, Northern Dioceses Chairman Asher Yousuf Masih said, “Militancy should be rooted out from the country through the cooperation of the army and political leadership.”
Hazara
The day in Hazara division was observed in an equally low-key fashion. This year celebrations were shelved in the wake of the massacre and mass was held in various churches where special prayers were offered for the victims.
A large number of people avoided wearing new clothes and singing Christmas carols.
Key to peace
The foundation of a new church was laid down in Khar by the political agent of Bajaur Agency, Yahya Akhunzada, on Christmas Day. Moreover, he vowed to set aside land to establish a Christian graveyard in the agency.
Meanwhile, in Ghallanai, Mohmand Agency, a ceremony was held at a church. Officials of the political administration and a large number of Muslims also participated in the celebrations.
Bawar Masih, who also attended the ceremony, told The Express Tribune that local tribal leaders have always participated in Christmas celebrations.
“We have never been subjected to any form of discrimination,” he added.
Mian Ghiyasuddin, a Muslim who attended the celebrations, said Muslims and Christians have always celebrated Eid and Christmas together in the agency.
“There is a wrong perception of Pukhtuns in the world,” he said. “They think we are extremists and cannot accept other religions. The fact that we are here today is welcome proof that all these stereotypes are false.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 26th, 2014.
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