ISLAMABAD, Dec 25: The Christian community celebrated Christmas across the country with religious fervour on Thursday.

In the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, large congregations were held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Christ Church.

The community decorated large and small churches in different localities, including G-7/2, Ahensa Colony G-8, Paris Colony F-7 and Tokyo Colony F-7.

Some churches and institutions organised Christmas bazaars and cultural shows.

The midnight mass and Christmas day service were held in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Multan, Faisalabad and other towns.

At the service, special prayers were offered for prosperity of Pakistan, wellbeing of the oppressed people around the globe and peace in the world.

Pakistan Television and private channels and Radio Pakistan in their special programmes covered the celebrations, highlighting the Christmas spirit.

There are around 2.3 million Christians in the country, 48 per cent Protestants and 52 per cent Catholics.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs extended financial assistance to needy members of the community to celebrate the festival.—APP