- Advertisement -
LAHORE, Dec 15 (APP):The annual Christmas ceremony was celebrated at Naulakha Presbyterian Church, Lahore, in an atmosphere of devotion, joy, and interfaith harmony, under the patronage of Rev. Dr. Majid Abel, here on Monday.
The event was attended by Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, parliamentary secretary Sonia Asher, former Senator Kamran Michael, Ameer Jamate Islami, and other prominent religious and social figures.
Welcoming the distinguished guests, Rev. Dr. Majid Abel said that the gathering of people from different faiths and communities under one roof reflected the true spirit of Christmas, emphasizing unity, love, and mutual respect.
Addressing the ceremony, Provincial Minister Ramesh Singh Arora highlighted that Christmas conveys a message of joy, sharing, reflection, and humanity. He noted that, on the directives of the Chief Minister Punjab, the provincial government has organized province-wide Christmas celebrations for the first time, including an interfaith Christmas tour on double-decker buses, spreading messages of love, tolerance, and unity across Lahore.
The minister also announced that, as a special Christmas initiative, the number of Minority Cards has been increased to 100,000, further supporting the welfare and empowerment of the Christian community.
Sonia Asher said that the Punjab government is taking concrete steps to safeguard minority rights and promote education, health, employment, and social protection, recognizing minorities as equal partners in Punjab’s development.
Speakers including Ameer Jamate Islami, Ramzan Sualvi, and former Senator Kamran Michael highlighted the shared values of peace, tolerance, and compassion across religions and acknowledged the historic contributions of the Christian community to Pakistan’s development.
The church was adorned with colorful lights, festive decor, and a Christmas tree. Religious songs were performed, conveying messages of peace, love, and unity. The ceremony concluded with Provincial Minister Ramesh Singh Arora, alongside elders of the Christian community and other participants, cutting the Christmas cake and extending heartfelt Christmas greetings, highlighting the Punjab government’s full support to the Christian community.