ISLAMABAD, Dec 26: The festivities of Christmas were celebrated in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad with religious fervour, enthusiasm and gaiety.

Christmas trees and cribs were decorated in all houses of the Christian community. Even the Christian community living in slums celebrated the Christmas with more joy and religious zeal.

They decorated the Christmas trees and organised singing parties where carols were rendered keeping in view the dignity of the occasion.

The churches in the twin-cities were tastefully decorated with cypresses trees and festooned with colourful lights and tinsel to give the occasion a touch of joyousness and gaiety.

Several churches had organised midnight services on Monday last where prayers were offered. The midnight services were followed by morning services at the churches of various denominations in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

There were held big congregations at the churches on Tuesday where religious prayers in the context of the birth and teachings of the Prophet Jesus were offered. The Christians prayed for prevalence of peace and establishment of brotherhood and fraternity in the world.

The district administration made elaborate arrangements for security outside and inside churches by deploying police personnel there.

Meanwhile, District Nazim Rawalpindi Raja Tariq Kiani has stressed the need for religious tolerance, fraternity and brotherhood saying that all of us must give proof of patriotism and play our positive and full-fledged role in the reconstruction of the country so that up against the enemies we could act as one strong people.

He made this statement at the Christmas celebrations held at Presbyterian Church Rawalpindi on Tuesday. Member belonging to the special seat of the District Council Ishtiaq also accompanied him.

Mr Kiani said that like other religions in the world, Christianity too has message of innate peace, goodwill and religious tolerance for the masses.

Citing one of the edicts of the Quaid-i-Azam, the District Nazim said that according to the founder of Pakistan, we all must be Pakistanis in the first place and then the follower of any religion.

“Only then we could be able to put aside our own prejudices and defend the integrity of the country. He said that it was only afterwards that we could be able to play our roles.

Mr Kiani said that at present, the country was confronted with delicate and sensitive situation and in this situation, all of us should be united like one man and frustrate the designs of our enemies.

District Nazim criticised strongly the tragedy of Bahawalpur and said that those who attacked the innocent people there could not be Pakistanis and Muslims.

He said that the terrorists had no religion at all, neither did any religion permit terrorism. He said that the act of terrorism should be roundly condemned by all.

He made it crystal clear that all members of the Christian community were like our brethren and they should not consider themselves outside the fold of Pakistanis.

He said that they must not consider themselves members of the minority community because they enjoyed equal rights. “Their role for the welfare and prosperity of the country is unforgettable,” he added. Mr Kiani lauded the role played by missionary institutions and for the well-being of Pakistanis.