(241209) — KARACHI, Dec. 9, 2024 (Xinhua) — People attend a Christmas celebration rally in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on Dec. 8, 2024. (Str/Xinhua)
On December 8, 2024, Karachi hosted a vibrant Christmas celebration rally, demonstrating the city’s diverse and inclusive spirit. Thousands of people, including members of the Christian community and others, participated in this rally. The event featured participants wearing Santa Claus outfits, singing carols, and spreading messages of peace and unity. It highlighted the harmonious coexistence of different religious communities in the city. Such rallies are part of broader efforts to promote cultural and religious inclusivity in Pakistan​.
In Karachi, Christmas celebrations reflect the city’s cultural diversity and the vibrancy of the Christian community. Events range from festive rallies to church services and public celebrations that highlight both religious and cultural traditions.
 Elements of Christmas Celebrations in Karachi:
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Church Services:
Special masses are held in churches across Karachi, with midnight services on Christmas Eve being a central feature. These include carol singing, prayers, and nativity plays. -
Community Rallies and Gatherings:
Events like the rally on December 8, 2024, are organized to showcase unity and celebrate the holiday spirit. Participants often wear festive attire, such as Santa costumes, and enjoy community activities. -
Christmas Markets and Festivities:
Local Christmas markets are set up, offering seasonal foods, gifts, decorations, and crafts. These markets often attract people of all communities, promoting a sense of togetherness. -
Decorations and Festive Lights:
Churches, homes, and neighborhoods with significant Christian populations are adorned with lights, Christmas trees, and wreaths. Public spaces sometimes display festive lighting as a gesture of inclusion. -
Charitable Activities:
Christmas is also a time for giving, and many communities organize charity events, such as distributing food and gifts to underprivileged families.
The broader significance of these celebrations lies in promoting peace and harmony in a diverse society. Karachi, being Pakistan’s largest city, often leads in showcasing these inclusive cultural exchanges.
Persecution in Pakistan
Christian communities in Pakistan face severe persecution and systemic challenges, often linked to the country’s blasphemy laws and societal discrimination. These laws are frequently misused, leading to false accusations, arrests, and violence, disproportionately targeting Christians, who make up about 1.8% of the population. For example, incidents like the Jaranwala attacks in 2023 saw churches and homes burned over baseless blasphemy allegations, reflecting the precarious situation of minorities​.
Key issues include:
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Blasphemy Laws: Christians are often accused of blasphemy, which can result in mob violence or legal repercussions. Many victims are unable to defend themselves due to institutional biases​.
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Forced Conversions: Christian girls and women are particularly vulnerable, with reports of abduction, forced conversion to Islam, and coerced marriages​.
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Economic and Social Marginalization: Christians frequently work in low-wage jobs like brick kilns or sanitation. Many also face job dismissals and ostracization following incidents of religious tension​.
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Lack of Legal Protection: Despite existing recommendations from Pakistan’s judiciary to safeguard minority rights, their implementation remains inadequate. Efforts to protect places of worship and curb extremism have been inconsistent​.
While historical churches enjoy some freedom of worship, they remain under surveillance and occasionally become targets of extremist attacks. Rights organizations and church leaders continue advocating for stronger legal protections, societal tolerance, and the enforcement of judgments aimed at ensuring minority safety and rights​.
