Christmas festivities and holiday spirit are in the air as the Christian community throughout Pakistan celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ on Monday amid tight security.

Across the country, churches and streets were decorated with Christmas lights and trees. Several bakeries sold customised Christmas cakes, while Christmas merchandise was on display in markets as many children across Pakistan dressed up as Santa Claus.

Worshippers, dressed up in festive outfits, poured into churches to attend prayer services along with their families.

Strict security measures were taken to ensure security of the Christian community and forces had been deployed outside churches to thwart any untoward incident.

Though celebrations this year are a bit subdued owing to a deadly attack on a Church in Quetta a week ago, prayer services were held on Christmas Eve and during the day in churches throughout the country.