Christian Community, like elsewhere in the world celebrated Christmas in Pakistan on Saturday

Special services were held in Churches and prayers were offered for peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan in their separate messages, while congratulating the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas, have assured that the government will continue to safeguard rights and privileges of all minorities living in the country.

They also commended sincere and invaluable services rendered by Christian community in the fields of defence, education, health as well as economic development of the country.

They said that the government will empower the minorities to use their abilities for national development.

Pope Francis, leading the world's Roman Catholics into Christmas, has urged people around the world to look beyond all the lights and decorations and remember the neediest.

A special Christmas cake cutting ceremony was held at  Radio Pakistan, Lahore.

On this occasion, Assistant News Editor Shazia Mushtaq cut the Christmas cake.

Station Director Nazakat Shakila ,Controller News (Punjab) Sajjad Parvez, Deputy Controller News Ather Rasool, officers and staff of News Bureau Lahore attended the ceremony while former Director News Haroon ur Rashid Abbasi, Former Controller News Muhammad Abrahim Kawan and former DCN Zahid Riffat besides other retired staff also graced the ceremony.

Speaking the gathering, speakers expressed that interfaith harmony and tolerance are necessary to ensure peaceful atmosphere in any society. Speakers lauded services of Christian community for progress in various sectors specially education.

On the occasion, prayers were sought for security, safety, progress and prosperity of the country and nation.