In Pakistan, Christmas amid inter-faith understanding and terror risks

(22 Dec. 2006) : Christian and Muslim communities “have co-existed in Pakistan for centuries and throughout this time they have cultivated mutual understanding, especially during religious celebrations. This Christmas is no exception”. This is how Bishop Joseph Coutts of Faisalabad described on Thursday the preparations that are going on in churches for Christmas festivities.

Despite discrimination suffered by the Christian community, festivities never fail to re-ignite a spirit of inter-faith coexistence, he said. Every parish “is free to prepare for Christmas as it deems best but all invite the local Muslim communities to join their celebrations just as we are invited for Islamic celebrations.” It is especially in recent times that “proof of mutual respect and understanding has been increasingly in evidence, notwithstanding the fact that Catholics continue to be targeted by terrorists and fundamentalists, he said, adding that in Lahore, however, there is a high risk of attacks on churches.

The Police Inspector General Ziaul Hassan Khan, who has issued orders to all special security groups to enhance security around churches and other Christian places of worship, said the festive season is also a tempting target for many banned Jihad organizations in the country, and “this is why we have been forced to step up security in all places at risk,” he added.