ISLAMABAD, April 8: Second Sunday of April brought pleasant change in routine life of the Christian community living in the federal capital with Easter celebrations that kicked off with the sunrise.

Majority of the Christians, who have to work even during Eid holidays, found an opportune time to enjoy themselves at the festive occasion.

Imran Shahid, an employee at a private office, said he woke up early in the morning, relished the sweets his mother had prepared and went to join the service in the church.

“After the service, I went to a park along with my sister who was very happy for having a new dress. However, my sister-in-law went to her mother’s home to wish her Easter. At noon, we had a special lunch,” he said.

“A number of relatives visited us all through the day and we enjoyed ourselves chatting in leisure because of the holiday,” he said.

In the morning, both English and Urdu services were held at Fatima Church and Thomas Church. Over 4,000 foreigners and local Christians attended the special prayers offered to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

At Fatima Church in Sector F-8/4, English service was held at 11am and Urdu service at 12 noon.

Father Michel Hakim headed the services after which cakes and sweets were distributed among the participants. Likewise, both English and Urdu services were also organised in Thomas Church in Sector G-7/2. The churches were exquisitely decorated on the occasion.

James Masih, an official of Fatima Church, told Dawn that according to Christian beliefs Jesus Christ was resurrected three days after he was crucified.

“He could have stayed on the land or gone to God at the moment when he was put on the cross but he preferred to bear the pain for the emancipation of his followers,” he said.

“A house near Fatima Church has been vacated for the services as a large number of followers are expected to turn up on the occasion,” he said.

Over 50 policemen were deputed during the services to avoid any untoward situation.

Station House Officer (SHO) Margalla police station Inspector Irshad Abro said officials in plain clothes as well as in uniform were deputed to ensure security of the church.

He said on the instructions of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bani Amin, the officials of special branch were also deployed in and around the churches.

Meanwhile, Minister In-charge for National Harmony Dr Paul Bhatti while addressing the Christian community at the prayer ceremony of Easter at Catholic Church urged the followers of all religions to unite against evil forces which were bent upon damaging the image of Pakistan and creating distances among the religious communities of the country.

He said he would continue to work for peace, love and tolerance from the platforms of Ministry of National Harmony and All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA).

He appealed to countrymen to forge harmony and unity among their ranks. “The white colour of our flag shows that minorities are an integral part of the society and cannot be separated from the majority,” he said.

Like other parts of the country, Easter was also celebrated by the Christian community in Attock district.