LAHORE: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the eighth day of the ongoing twelve-day Christmas celebrations commenced with the grand organization of the Christmas Interfaith Cycling Heritage Ride.
Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, attended the event as the chief guest.
The Provincial Minister inaugurated the ride by cutting the ribbon and led the rally by cycling himself. Citizens belonging to various faiths—including Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and others—participated enthusiastically.
The Christmas Interfaith Cycling Heritage Ride began at Naulakha Church and proceeded through the historic sites of the Walled City of Lahore. The objective of the ride was to highlight Lahore’s cultural heritage and promote interfaith harmony. The event was organized in collaboration with the Human Rights and Minority Affairs Department.
Addressing the participants, Provincial Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora stated that people of all faiths were gathered today in the heart of Lahore, reflecting the Pakistan envisioned collectively by its founders. He emphasized that followers of Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism, and other religions live together in Pakistan with mutual respect and peace.
He further said that the eighth day of the Christmas celebrations had begun with exemplary interfaith harmony, and that this cycling ride had become a symbol of interfaith peace and brotherhood. He noted that, for the first time in history, an eight-kilometer-long Christmas rally was organized on Mall Road at the start of the celebrations, presenting Pakistan’s positive image to the world.
The Provincial Minister added that Christmas conveys a message of joy, peace, and religious harmony, and that Pakistan is home to followers of many religions. He acknowledged the significant contributions of the Christian community to the country’s development since the creation of Pakistan.
He reaffirmed that under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the practical protection of minority rights is being ensured, and minorities in Pakistan are safe and free to celebrate their religious rituals and festivals without fear.
Through these twelve-day Christmas celebrations, a clear message is being conveyed to the world about how Christmas is celebrated in Pakistan with happiness and peace.
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora also informed that on 22 December, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif will cut the Christmas cake.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025