There was a time in Pakistan when it was common to see cross pendants around the necks of people on the streets. But now, that sight has been reduced to a rare glimpse in Karachi's Bohri Bazaar, only when Christmas is around the corner. The decreasing visibility of the cross here underscores the challenges the Christian community is facing.

Indeed, in view of recent anti-Christian violence, there is an even smaller fraction of people who hang a cross on the rear-view mirrors of their cars or display their religious identity on the entrance doors of their homes — a sight that was previously common. The cross seems to be fast disappearing from local jewellery shops too. When inquired about this change, Pakistani Christians voice concerns about their security and dubiously ponder their future.

Churches once adorned with decorative lights on festive occasions are now accompanied by security guards and metal detectors. Christian processions through the streets of Karachi before sunrise on Easter and at midnight on Christmas have altogether stopped. Images of the cross are now only seen at few and far between photo exhibitions of churches or historical landmarks of the country in elite and well cloistered galleries.

“Christians are hesitant and not very comfortable with displaying their religious identity now. It is believed that if you are a Christian, you are either associated with the Americans or are a foreigner,” explains a Christian, Karachi-based photographer.

But there are still some who cling to the cross and all that it symbolises. Guitarist, composer and music producer, Shallum Xavier, who wears a cross pendant around his neck in all his music videos, says that he does not wear it to represent his faith, but because of what it signifies the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. 'I wear the cross because of my memories from my childhood. It is more of a personal thing. A big part of it is because of my love for Jesus Christ,' says the pop celebrity.

Meanwhile, Nabeel Dean, a senior sales and marketing manager in an insurance company, points out that it is not just the Christians who are scared of professing their identity in Pakistan. “People from other castes are generally keeping a low profile also. With sectarian violence on the rise and internal clashes between various political parties, caste and religion automatically become explosive subjects. You never know what will offend who,” he says.

For the full story on why the cross is fading from the Pakistani public sphere, log on to www.dawn.com  on Monday, January 4.