Annual Christmas Ceremony Held at Naulakha Presbyterian Church

Arora, Sonia Asher and former Senator Kamran Michael attend ceremony

By Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The annual Christmas ceremony was held at Naulakha Presbyterian Church in Lahore on Sunday in an atmosphere marked by devotion, enthusiasm and interfaith harmony. The event was organized under the patronage of Rev. Dr. Majid Abel and drew participation from political leaders, religious figures and members of the Christian community.

Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Punjab Ramesh Singh Arora, Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Sonia Asher, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami, and former Senator Kamran Michael were among the prominent attendees, along with moderators and elders of the Presbyterian Church.

Welcoming the guests, Rev. Dr. Majid Abel said the presence of people from different faiths and communities under one roof truly reflected the spirit of Christmas. He stressed the need for unity, love and mutual respect in society, particularly at a time when interfaith harmony is essential for peace and progress.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Ramesh Singh Arora said Christmas carries a universal message of joy, sharing, reflection and love for humanity. He noted that, on the special directives of the Chief Minister Punjab, the provincial government has organized a series of province-wide events this year to make Christmas celebrations historic and inclusive.

He added that the celebrations formally began with an interfaith Christmas tour on double-decker buses, during which people from different religions toured Lahore to promote messages of tolerance, harmony and unity. The minister also announced that, as a special Christmas gift from the Chief Minister Punjab, the number of Minority Cards has been increased to 100,000, aimed at further strengthening the welfare and empowerment of the Christian community.

Parliamentary Secretary Sonia Asher reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment to safeguarding minority rights, saying concrete steps are being taken to promote education, health, employment and social protection. She emphasized that minority communities are equal partners in the development of Punjab.

In their addresses, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami and Ramzan Sualvi said that the message of peace, tolerance and compassion is common to all divine religions. They added that the teachings of Islam also emphasize peace, respect and humanity, which are fully aligned with the message of Christmas.

Former Senator Kamran Michael highlighted the historic role of the Christian community in the creation and development of Pakistan, stating that Christians have remained an integral and vibrant part of the country’s multicultural society.

Shahid Rehmat and Javed Williams, in their brief remarks, appreciated the Punjab government’s initiatives to promote interfaith harmony, protect constitutional rights and ensure the welfare of minority communities.

The church was adorned with festive decorations, colorful lights and a Christmas tree, adding to the celebratory spirit. Religious songs reflecting the true essence of Christmas were presented, conveying messages of peace, love and unity.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Minister Ramesh Singh Arora, along with elders of the Christian community and other participants, cut the Christmas cake and exchanged greetings, reaffirming the Punjab government’s support for the Christian community.