Christians in Chakwal not to celebrate Christmas

E-Paper | May 03, 2026

CHAKWAL: The Christians of Chakwal district have decided not to celebrate Christmas this year to pay homage to those who were massacred by terrorists in Peshawar on Tuesday.

They also held a reference for the victims of the deadliest attack. District Coordination Officer Asif Bilal Lodhi was the chief guest at the reference.

“Today we are gathered here to pay tribute to those who were ruthlessly killed by the terrorists,” said Samina Sofia one of the organisers of the reference.

Naima Faisal, another organiser of the refrence, stressed the need of religious harmony.

“The title of our today’s ceremony is peace and peace could only be achieved through harmony, love and tolerance,” she said.

Asma Dilawar a Christian teacher along with two other girls prayed for the Peshawar martyrs.

Speaking on the occasion DCO Asif Bilal Lodhi thanked the Christian community for organising an impressive ceremony.

Published in Dawn December 20th , 2014

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czar

Dec 20, 2014 08:48am

What a great lesson of tolerance, peace and solidarity. We are humans first then Pakistani regardless of our religious affiliation.

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Abdul Rehman, U.S.A.

Dec 20, 2014 09:22am

The Christians of Chakwal district have shown a great courage that they are Pakistani First and decided not to celebrate Christmas this year to pay homage to those who were massacred by terrorists in Peshawar on Tuesday. Now this is the time we should treat all Pakistani muslim or non-muslim citizens equally.

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hussain684

Dec 20, 2014 09:30am

Good gesture. Thanks to the Christian community of my city - Chakwal

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Dinesh Singh

Dec 20, 2014 09:42am

A great and humbling gesture by the community, more poignant in the light of recent atrocities by a section of muslims on Christian community. You need to be brave to take such steps.

Recommend 0

Dec 20, 2014 09:56am

Salute to the Christian community not like the Pakistan cricket team. In spite of the brutality they face, they still love Pakistan and in return they just want to be respected. I hope this is not a huge ask.

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Cynical

Dec 20, 2014 10:05am

All religions preach kindness and love for fellow humans, I applaud my Christian brothers and sisters who despite being persecuted them selves by these religious extremists are standing with the rest of their Pakistani brothers in this time of great sorrow. God bless you.

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anony

Dec 20, 2014 10:11am

A big THANK YOU to my christian brothers and sisters for such a kind gesture. We are all Pakistanis and share the grief. Thank you for being sensitive.

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Dr. Abdul Manan

Dec 20, 2014 10:13am

Sweet. Thanks to Christian Community...

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smj

Dec 20, 2014 01:38pm

Certainly a noble gesture by a community that has been persecuted by fanatics. Sadly we never gave them an equal status as Pakistani.

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SRehman

Dec 20, 2014 04:00pm

A gesture of respect and solidarity that should be highlighted and applauded. So called Muslims that have persecuted Christians and other non Muslims and are finding justifications for the attacks should learn from this. Decency and humanity does not come from labelling yourself of a certain faith.

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Pak Patriot

Dec 22, 2014 11:31pm

This Christian behaviour of support to the local people of Peshawar is exemplary and mature. The Christians are practicing their faith of love and empathy in their daily lives. This is what religion in general teaches us. This inspite of being at the receiving end of religious fanatics. A great example of patriotic Christians .............PAKISTANI FIRST, come what may.

Recommend 0

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