PESHAWAR: Like other parts of the country, members of Christian community organised different congregations and walks to celebrate Easter across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday.

In Peshawar, Christian community celebrated the Easter festival with special prayer ceremonies in different churches amid tight security.

The day started with special religious rituals, prayers and an exchange of greetings with messages of goodwill, prosperity of people and uplift of the country.

The main event was held at All Saints Church. The participants marched from the church through traditional routes of Peepal Mandi, Jahangirpura, Namak Mandi, Chowk Yadgar and Qissa Khwani Bazaar and returned to the same venue.

Governor, CM congratulate community on festive occasion

The procession was led by Vicar Shahzad Murad and other junior pastors. The participants were holding decorated crosses and banners inscribed with their religious slogans. They also sang religious songs. Heavy contingents of police were deployed at different entry and exit points to ensure foolproof security to Christian community on this special day.

Easter is one of the most festive events among Christians worldwide, which commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death, according to the Bible,” the Christian community members said, adding just like any other festival, Easter Sunday also preceded special preparations by the people from different age groups, including men, women and children.

Shehzad, a participant, said Easter was a special occasion and on this day special services were arranged at different places in the country, where the community members used to attend prayers for progress and prosperity of the country.

Policemen were also deployed at rooftops of nearby buildings to keep vigil. Shops located along the route of the procession remained closed as part of security arrangements.

Volunteers of Christian community also played their role in providing security.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Haji Ghulam Ali and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also congratulated the Christian community on the festival of Easter.

In their separate statements issued on Sunday, the governor and CM appreciated the role of the community for development of the country and prosperity of the nation.

The governor said Easter was the name of the spirit of love and mutual respect. “Christian community has an important role in the development and prosperity of the country, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Ghulam Ali added.

“The services of Christian community in all sectors, especially education, are commendable,” he said, adding according to the Constitution of Pakistan, the personal and religious rights of all minorities, including Christians, were fully protected.

Similarly, the CM emphasised the importance of equal rights for all minorities in Pakistan. He appreciated the significant role played by Christian community in the country’s development. He assured that the provincial government would continue to serve the people irrespective of their religious association.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2024