Easter Celebrations Continues In Pakistan
Easter Celebrations Continues In Pakistan: Easter is a religious festival which is celebrated after Christians fast. The Holy Week and Easter are a time to celebrate Jesus Christ’s return to Jerusalem, his crucifixion and his resurrection. This festival is celebrated all over the world commencing with lighting candles, attending ceremonies, watching solemn processions, meeting family and friends and enjoying food together.
Pope Frances on Sunday spoke of how “Christians believe and know that Christ’s resurrection is the true hope of the world, the hope that does not disappoint.” He said, “It is the power of the grain of wheat, the power of that love which humbles itself and gives itself to the very end, and thus truly renews the world.” He prayed for countries like Syria, Yemen and Venezuela where suffering undergoes.
Easter Celebrations In Pakistan
As Christians all over the world participate in Easter festivities, in Pakistan they have celebrated their festival with religious zeal and zest in the federal capital, and in the other parts of the country. Prayers marked Easter celebrations across the country amid high security, with heavy contingents organized at various churches on Sunday.
In Lahore, Special prayer ceremonies were organized at several churches including Saint Mary Church, Cathedral Churchm Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and Pentecostal Church, St Francis Catholic Church, St Paul’s Anglican Catholic Church and other small churches. The Christian brethren prayed for progress, prosperity and peace in the country. Foolproof security arrangements were made for the security of the Christians in the city.
In Peshawar, the Easter procession began in which nearly 2,000 people participated as they marched through Jahangirpura, Namak Mandi, Qissa Khwani Bazaar and came back to the church. At least 300 police personnel with teams from the Bomb Disposal Unit, camera mobiles and sniper dogs also moved with the procession, the official said.
Pakistan Minority Council President Augustin Jacob said that besides the procession, special service is observed at almost 22 churches in Peshawar. Special arrangements for the day also include a trip for a group of students to Takht Bhai archaeological sites under a fellowship programme for Christian students.
In Multan, Easter prayers were held at 40 churches, attended by a large number of people. More than 500 security personnel were deployed at the churches where metal detectors were also installed to check all those entering for prayers.
In Quetta, special security measures have been put in place not at churches put also at recreational spots. More than 5,000 security personnel were deployed across the city while FC officials were also on duty to prevent any unfortunate incident. The prayers that mark the beginning of Easter celebrations are followed by a feast at the houses of all those celebrating the festival.
Government officials shared their Easter greetings
- Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said they were with the Christian community in their celebrations. He added Christians and all the minority communities have played a vital role in the country’s progress.
- Punjab Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Khalil Tahir Sandhu felicitated Christians on Easter, saying the day has great importance for the community. He said all religious minorities enjoy equal rights under the Constitution of Pakistan. The minister said there was a great need to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ to promote love, peace and sacrifice.
- Balochistan CM Abdul Quddus Bizenjo also greeted Christians on the festival saying minorities are an important part of Pakistan’s existence and to safeguard them and their rights is a collective responsibility.
- PTI Chairman Imran Khan participated in a cake cutting ceremony in Lahore and wished everyone peace, love and happiness.
The government of Sindh has announced a holiday on Monday for its employees belonging to the Christian community.