Pakistan's government first openly supports nationwide Christmas celebration
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif cutting a Christmas cake together with Christian leaders and government officials. December 25, 2025 Photo: Christian Daily
In 2025, for the first time, authorities in Pakistan supported nationwide celebrations of Christmas. This was reported by Premier Christian News.
Across major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi, Christmas events extended beyond church grounds to official ceremonies, interfaith gatherings, and participation by political and military leaders.
President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized that freedom of religion and equality are fundamental principles of Pakistan, marking an unprecedented recognition of the role of Christians in the country. "Christmas brings hope, peace, and compassion, reminding us of the bonds that unite all human beings," the head of state noted.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed a ceremony in Islamabad, stating: “Christmas is a message for humanity that connects us with feelings of love and goodwill.” He praised Jesus Christ’s teachings of peace and brotherhood, describing Christians as an “active, positive and peaceful segment of society.”
In Punjab, home to the country’s largest Christian population, the province's Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz attended a state Christmas ceremony at the Anglican Cathedral Church in Lahore. Announcing welfare measures, Nawaz pledged: “The government stands shoulder to shoulder with Christian brothers and sisters in their celebrations, and Christian employees are a source of pride whose services are highly commendable.”
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Israeli authorities disrupted Palestinian Vice President’s visit to Bethlehem for Christmas.
Read also
Sand for construction of Yermak’s residence brought from cemetery, MP says
MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said that sand illegally removed from a cemetery in Ukrainka was used in the construction of the elite Dynasty cooperative in Kozyn.
Italian court recognizes family with three parents as legal
In Bari, the appellate court ordered authorities to register an adoption according to which a child is listed as having two "fathers" and one mother.
Archaeologists discover biblical Bethsaida on shore of Sea of Galilee
Researchers have discovered a first-century residential house beneath the apse of a Byzantine church and a mosaic inscription mentioning the Apostle Peter.
Israeli soldiers receive jail terms for mocking statue of the Virgin Mary
Those involved in the act of sacrilege in the village of Debel will spend several weeks behind bars for desecrating a statue of the Mother of God.
Serbian Church officially receives back land of 15th-century monastery
An agreement was signed in Belgrade transferring the territory of the ancient Vojlovica Monastery to the Banat Eparchy.
Pat Daniiel comments on conflict between Phanar bishop and community in Turkey
The Bulgarian Primate believes that the hierarch of the Constantinople Patriarchate should not have forced the Bulgarian community in Edirne to serve in Greek.