ISLAMABAD: A Christmas-themed train on Thursday set out on a journey to criss-cross Pakistan in an effort to promote tolerance in the country.
Adorned with Christmas lights and mock snowmen, and with carriages that have portraits and tributes to notable Christian Pakistanis, the government says it hopes to change mindsets in Pakistan.
Christians make up an estimated 1.6 percent of Pakistan´s 200 million people. "This is a sign of tolerance, everybody will celebrate Christmas together," Human Rights Minister Kamran Michael told AFP, adding that members of the public would be welcomed to visit the train and see its exhibits along its many stops.
It set off Thursday afternoon from Islamabad to Peshawar and will travel to Lahore on Christmas day before leaving for Karachi on January 1.
Agnes, a Catholic Pakistani who attended the launch ceremony, said she was grateful for the gesture, while acknowledging it was symbolic.
"It´s nothing more than a function -- but it makes me feel proud, it is a first step," she said. "Let´s hope we can celebrate christmas in peace and harmony in the many years to come".
Report highlighted “extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances, other violations in country, says spox
Activist slams envoy for talking about civil rights as Germany "abusing people speaking for rights of Palestinians"
Quetta court suspends politico's arrest warrant till the next hearing scheduled on May 31
Accompanied by foreign and finance ministers, prime minister also expected to meet IMF's managing director
Sindh government has removed the barricades placed outside the CM House on the orders of the top court
PTCL's network is functioning optimally with "no service interruption", company says
