PESHAWAR: The Christian community celebrated Christmas across the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday with religious zeal and fervour amid stringent security measures at and outside churches. In Peshawar, around 30 churches and residential areas hosted Christmas congregations, with major events held at St. John’s Cathedral, All Saints Church and St. Mary’s Church. Reverend Shahzad Murad of All Saints Church said that the community began Christmas celebrations at the start of December and offered special prayers for the country’s progress and prosperity as well as interfaith harmony. He said that churches and houses were beautifully illuminated in line with tradition, while the formal Christmas celebration began on Dec 24 at midnight, with people congratulating each other. Special prayers held for peace, national development Bishop Humphrey Sarfaraz Peter addressed members of his community at All Saints Church on Tuesday night and prayed for the country’s development. The community organised a Christmas fair at Catholic Church where visitors bought food and other items and shared them with each other. The 141-year-old All Saints Church, which was targeted by suicide blasts in 2013 and was later renovated by the community with self-help, will hold a special a special Christmas congregation on Dec 27. Security arrangements were made at and outside churches, with police officials visiting the premises to ensure safety protocols. They also participated in the cake-cutting ceremonies. A cake-cutting ceremony was held on the provincial assembly’s premises, with Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Babar Saleem Swati, former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser and MNA Shahram Khan Tarakai, showing up to join Christmas celebrations. “We all should celebrate festive occasions together and give a message of love and brotherhood to each other. The Christian community is an important part of our society whose services for the country are acknowledged,” Speaker Swati said. He said that protecting the rights of religious minorities was the government’s first job. “Our assembly represents every person living in the province and we ensure that every person gets equal rights and opportunities so that we can create a just and peaceful society,” he said. Meanwhile, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi congratulated Christians on the occasion of Christmas, declaring it a festival of peace and mutual love, respect and happiness. “Christmas conveys a message of love, peace, tolerance and brotherhood, which are the basic principles of human life,” he said in a Christmas message. Mr Kundi said that contributions of Christians to the country’s development, prosperity and stability were commendable. The governor said that the Constitution provided equal rights to all citizens. “We should all work together to establish a peaceful, prosperous, and developed society. Religious harmony should be promoted in the country, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said. Mr Kundi said that the rights of religious minorities were protected by the Constitution so that they could perform their religious rituals and ceremonies with freedom. Also, Awami National Party provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain extended Christmas greetings to Christians. “Christmas teaches us the lesson of love, peace, brotherhood and sisterhood. This occasion encourages us to serve humanity and share each other’s sorrows,” he said in a message. Mr Hussain said that his party would continue raising voice for religious tolerance and protection of the minorities’ rights. “We believe that people of all religions and communities living in Pakistan are equal citizens. Protecting people’s rights regardless of their religions, colour and races is the primary responsibility of every government. We all should promote the spirit of peace, love and mutual respect to build a peaceful and prosperous society,” he said. In Bannu and Karak districts, too, the Christian community celebrated Christmas with religious zeal and fervour. Deputy commissioner Abdul Hameed Khan and other officials visited churches in Bannu and expressed solidarity with the community and acknowledged its vital role for national development. Law-enforcement agencies took security measures around and inside the premises to ensure peaceful celebrations. In Bajaur tribal district, a function was held at the United Church in Civil Colony, Khar, where community members, residents, and officials were in attendance. Deputy commissioner Shahid Ali Khan and district police officer Waqas Rafique also showed up. The event featured a cake-cutting ceremony and the distribution of gifts to children. Officials expressed solidarity with the Christian community and appreciated their contributions for national development and prosperity. Christmas celebrations were also reported in Khyber, Mohmand, Haripur, Dera Ismail Khan, and other districts as well, with participants vowing to work for peace and development in the country.