Christians celebrated their most important and oldest festival Easter with special prayers of peace and prosperity across Pakistan on Sunday. In Lahore, the Christian community celebrated Easter with religious fervor and joy. Guarded heavily by security, masses were held in various Churches of the city. Easter masses included special prayers, lighting of candles and hymns. Prayers for the prosperity and peace of Pakistan were made during special masses. One of the main attractions of this festival was the gift of Easter Eggs, made of chocolates, given especially to children.
In its felicitating message to Christian community on the occasion, Government of Pakistan said it is pleased to wish a joyous and happy Easter to the Christian community within Pakistan and all around the world. Ministry of Human Rights Government of Pakistan in a statement said Wishing peace, love and happiness today and always, 'Happy Easter' to all, who are celebrating today equality and respect to all.
Many prominent politicians and senators also extended their wishes to the Christian community on Easter. Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif congratulating the Christian community on Easter said "wishing you peace, love and prosperity and we deeply acknowledge the contributions of the Christian community for Pakistan."
PTI Chairman Imran Khan and PPP leader senator Sherry Rehman also wished Christian community a very happy and peaceful Easter. Provincial Minister for HR&MA Khalil Tahir Sandhu said in a statement that the day of Easter has great importance for the Christians community all over the World and in Pakistan arrangements of special prayers had been made in all Worship places of Christians.
He said all the religious minorities are enjoying equal rights under the constitution of Pakistan. The Minister said we need to follow the teachings of Hazrat Masih to promote love, peace and sacrifice. He said enemies of Pakistan are engaged in their own conspiracies but we all have to maintain unity to fail them.