SWABI, Dec 27: The Christian community has called for construction of a church and allocation of land for a graveyard in Swabi. Representatives of the community told District Nazim Shehram Khan at a Christmas gathering here on Tuesday that they had to go to Mardan, Nowshera and Ghazi area for celebrating Christmas and prayer service.

They said it was quite difficult and expensive for them to go to those areas with their families.

Priest Yousaf Masih said that their earlier requests had not received an encouraging response.

The district Nazim said the contribution of minorities to the country’s development should not be ignored.

The nazim said that he would make all-out efforts for meeting their demands. He donated Rs100,000 for Charismas celebrations. Swabi Qaumi Mahaz MPA Dr Salim said he supported the Christian community on the issue.—Correspondent