Christmas to be celebrated in Rawalpindi amid tight security

Rawalpindi:With an unbearable inflation ratio, the Christian community in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad will celebrate Christmas today (Monday).

The Christmas services would be held in all Catholic and Protestant churches where priests would deliver sermons. The Christian community has arranged Christmas trees in their homes where children are having fun and anxiously waiting for Christmas to open their gifts.

The Christian community has strongly protested against unbearable inflation in the country which has spoiled the happiness of this festival.

Christmas cakes were also cut in different areas by the Muslims to express solidarity and brotherhood with the Christian community. The City Police Officer (CPO), Rawalpindi has deployed well-equipped force all around in churches to avoid any untoward incident on the special occasion.

Big gatherings of the Christian community would be held at the Cathedral Church, Lalkurti, and Protestant Church at Mall Road, Saint Anthony Church in Satellite Town, Saint Joseph’s Cathedral Church in Dhoke Syedan, Cathedral Church Chakra, Cathedral Church Hanif Colony and Saint Mary’s Church in Sher Zaman Colony. The Christians would start their special prayers in Cathedral Churches at about midnight, while in Protestant Churches at about 11:00 p.m. The Santa Claus would be the most enchanting aspect and major attraction for children on the occasion.

Special funfairs would also be held outside major churches where people would enjoy every bit of the event. Special Christmas trees have been installed in major city hotels to attract Christians. Special prayers would be offered for the progress and prosperity of the country on the occasion.

Deputy Commissioner (DC), Rawalpindi Hasan Waqar Cheema said that policemen and lady constables have been deployed around all Catholic and Protestant churches to avoid any untoward incident on the occasion. He appealed to public to cooperate with security officials to avoid any untoward incident. Police have made comprehensive security arrangements for the Christmas and special deployment would also be ensured outside churches, he said. Cart pushers and vendors will not be allowed to sell their items like children's balloons, toys, chat, etc. in front of churches.

Christmas festivities have already started in the morning on Saturday with masses at churches and special prayers in honour of Jesus Christ.

Various areas of the garrison city lit up with great enthusiasm and fairy lights as the community members came together to make the occasion memorable.

Giant snowmen, Santa hats, and fairy lights were strewn across the city as some members of other communities also made preparations to wish their Christian brethren a merry Christmas. All the churches and houses belonging to the Christian community across the twin cities are decorated sophisticatedly with Christmas trees, colourful flags, and electric lamps.

In the joy of Christmas, special arrangements have been made for entertainment in all small and big parks besides entertainment places across the city.

All amusement parks including Ayub Park, Jinnah Park, Rawal Dam, Ladies Park, and Rumi Park will open at 9am and will be kept open till midnight.