ISLAMABAD: Hundreds dressed in Christmas-themed costumes in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi sang and danced to the beat of drums on Sunday, as they took part in a “rally of peace” to mark the beginning of the Christian holiday’s festivities.
Millions of Christians around the world believe Jesus Christ was born on December 25, and celebrate the day with religious and cultural festivities. The Christian community in Karachi marked the beginning of the upcoming event with gusto, participating in a huge rally from Jacob Lines Road in the city to the Karachi Press Club.
“Today’s rally is the rally of peace, love, and brotherhood,” Sarfaraz William, 18, one of the participants of the rally where cars and buses were adorned with Christmas decorations, told AFP. “Christmas is also the name of spreading love and prosperity. From the organization team, we wish a very happy Christmas to all of Pakistan.”
Shakil Masih, 20, another participant said the Christian community in Pakistan wanted to spread happiness in the world.
“All Christians in this country, we want to spread love and peace and want to live in brotherhood,” he told AFP. “I want to convey my message to the world that Christmas, what is being promoted to be celebrated, is the happiness that we want to spread.”
The incident takes place months after an enraged Muslim crowd attacked a Christian community in eastern Pakistan in August, setting scores of houses on fire and accusing its members of desecrating the holy Qu’ran.
The incident took place in Jaranwala town of the industrial city of Faisalabad after two Christians were accused of blasphemy, police said.
Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah pledged religious freedom in the country while telling the constituent assembly in August 1947 that all citizens would be free to go to their places of worship.
