Preparing for Christmas, Pakistan Style

Adil Najam

In another year that has been tough for Pakistan and particularly tough for minorities in Pakistan, another Christmas approaches. And like Christmases all over the world, Christians in Pakistan prepare to celebrate in their own ways.

In churches all over Pakistan, in communities, on streets, in mohallas where Pakistani Christians live the festivities have arrived. Sometimes modest, sometimes elaborate, everywhere present. I noticed it this morning when passing though a part of F-7/4 in Islamabad where many Christians live and where rides for children had been placed and buntings were being put up.

To share that spirit and to wish all Pakistani Christians a Merry Christmas, here is a sampling of recent photographs of Christmas preparations, Pakistan style. The first picture is from Peshawar, the next three from Lahore and the last two from Islamabad.