LANDI KOTAL: The Christian families living in different parts of Khyber Agency have demanded strict security for themselves during Christmas celebrations.

Central member of the Pakistan Minorities Alliance Arshad Masih told Dawn that he along with other local minority organisations had requested the Fata secretary (law and order) for additional security for local Christians ahead of Christmas in the wake of a suicide attack on a Quetta church.

He said the secretary directed political agents of all seven tribal agencies and deputy commissioners of Frontier Regions to ensure strict security of churches and living quarters of all Christian families in their respective areas during Christmas celebrations.

Mr Arshad said though Fata Christians didn’t face no any direct threat during religious gatherings, the Quetta church attack had not only saddened them but also worried them about own security.

He said Christmas-related festivities and shopping had already begun in Landi Kotal and Jamrud areas.

The minority leader said Christian children living in Landi Kotal Bazaar and inside the Army Camp had held tableaus, stage dramas and music concerts as part of Christmas celebrations.

He said most Christian families living in Landi Kotal cooked tradition mutton dish, Larraly, barbequed meat and made sweet dishes, and invited friends from other local communities to lunch.

Rashna Shakeel, who teaches at a local private school, said she along with other women from her community, traveled to Peshawar to buy clothes, shoes and bakery items for Christmas.

She said male members of their families preferred to wear local attires on Christmas day, while children and women bought or stitched ‘trendy’ dresses. Like previous years, the political administration announced it would give away Rs1,000 each to all 250 Christian families living in Landi Kotal.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2017