Christian community to celebrate Christmas tomorrow

KARACHI: Christian community in Pakistan will celebrate Christmas tomorrow as elsewhere in the world.

Special programs will be held in churches across the country to celebrate the festival.

Residential colonies of Christian community have been decorated with twinkling lights and stars. Wreaths were hung outside stores buzzing with last-minute shopping on Christmas eve.

Almost all churches have been decorated with colorful lights and illuminated with Christmas trees. The government has made elaborative security arrangements to avert any untoward incident on this occasion.

On the other hand, a high-level security meeting was held at the Headquarters of Pakistan Rangers Sindh, chaired by Director General of Pakistan Rangers Sindh Major General Muhammad Shamraiz and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon.

The meeting focused on reviewing security arrangements for upcoming events, including Quaid Day, Christmas, and New Year’s celebrations, said a news release on Tuesday.

Officials assessed the progress on the security strategies laid out in previous meetings. A key focus was the law and order situation in Karachi, where it was decided to ramp up joint operations by Rangers and police to crack down on habitual criminals. Security checks at entry and exit points, as well as inter-provincial checkpoints, will also be strengthened.

The meeting emphasized enforcing the ban on weapon displays and aerial firing on New Year’s Eve, with strict action planned against violators.

To ensure comprehensive security during the festive season, a joint plan involving Rangers, police, and other law enforcement agencies was approved. The meeting was attended by top officials from various law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including the Commissioner of Karachi, Additional IGPs, and senior officers of Rangers.

Over 1,000 police personnel and volunteers will be deployed across the district to ensure security during Christmas celebrations.

According to a spokesperson, a security plan for Christmas was approved during a meeting chaired by District Police Officer (DPO) Asad Sarfaraz Khan. The plan will cover 45 events and ceremonies scheduled in the district.

He highlighted that personnel from the District Police, Elite Force, Dolphin Force, Traffic Police, Mahafiz Squad, and lady police will be on duty to maintain security. Sub-Divisional Police Officers and Station House Officers were  instructed to implement the plan thoroughly.