Hope, peace mark Easter 2026 as Christian community celebrates across Pakistan

Roy Zia Ur Rahman

ISLAMABAD, Apr 05 (APP):The Christian community across Pakistan celebrated Easter on Sunday with religious devotion and joy, marking the resurrection — the rising again — of Jesus Christ, a victory over death and the good news of eternal life, and spreading a message of hope, forgiveness and new beginnings.

Pastor Stephen John of The Fellowship United Pakistan Church, G-7 Markaz Islamabad, told APP on Sunday that Easter is the most important festival for Christians, as it reminds them that after every hardship, there is ease and a new start.

He said that churches start special worship before 12 midnight on Saturday, so that believers enter Sunday — the day of victory — in a state of prayer and devotion.

A member of the Christian community, Khurram Masih, told APP that he reached the church around 11 pm and remained busy in prayers and worship till around 4 am, continuing the night-long vigil.

He said that Christians observe fasting for 40 days, which are completed over 46 days, as Sundays are not counted as fasting days, making Easter a moment of reward after patience and devotion.

Easter is also called by many as the sacred message of “Eid Qayamat-ul-Masih,” reflecting the belief in resurrection and new life.

Easter is observed on different dates every year, as it follows a system based on the moon. According to the decision of the First Council of Nicaea, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following March 21. This year, the full moon appeared on April 2, making April 5 the day of Easter.

The festival comes after Holy Week, which begins with Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. Palm Sunday marks the arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, while Maundy Thursday recalls the Last Supper. Good Friday, observed on April 3 this year, is a day of sorrow, remembering the crucifixion.

He said that Easter Sunday is a day of happiness, as it represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ and gives believers hope, courage and faith for a better future.

Referring to the Bible, he said that the importance of resurrection is clearly highlighted in First Epistle to the Corinthians 15:17, which explains that without resurrection, faith would lose its true meaning.

In Pakistan, special prayers were held in churches, including services in Islamabad and other cities, where people gathered in large numbers.

Families met each other, exchanged greetings and shared meals, showing unity and love.

Pastor Stephen John said that Christians in Pakistan celebrate their religious festivals with the same spirit of joy as their Muslim brothers, as both communities live together and share happiness.

He said that giving gifts, visiting relatives and spending time with family are also part of Easter celebrations in the country.

Across the world, Easter is celebrated in different ways, including decorating eggs, exchanging gifts and holding special gatherings, but the message of peace, renewal and kindness remains the same.

Meanwhile, global attention also remained on Pope Leo XIV, who delivered his first Easter message from the Vatican, which was watched by millions worldwide.

Religious leaders urged people to promote harmony, patience and respect, saying that the true spirit of Easter lies in spreading love and hope in society.