By Junaid Qaiser
As Pakistan stands on the brink of a new year, the lingering warmth of Christmas 2025 signifies more than just holiday cheer; it marks a renewed sense of national confidence and purpose. This Christmas has become a key moment in the country’s ongoing journey toward achieving Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a Pakistan where dignity, equality, and pride are guaranteed for all citizens, regardless of their faith. In a society often challenged by religious and social divides, the celebrations highlighted an evolving national identity—one that embraces diversity not as a duty, but as a shared strength.
What made Christmas 2025 stand out was the genuine involvement of the state. From public decorations to official messages and symbolic acts, the celebration echoed the tone of festivities in Western democracies while remaining deeply rooted in Pakistan’s own constitutional and moral values. Churches in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Islamabad sparkled with lights, Christian neighborhoods buzzed with gatherings, and people from various faiths came together to join in the celebrations. The coincidence of Christmas with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday added an extra layer of significance, reminding the nation of its founding promise of equality and religious freedom.
A powerful symbol of the shifting mindset in Pakistan was Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir attending a Christmas service at a church in Rawalpindi. His presence was more than just a formality; it sent a strong message that the state and its armed forces stand with all Pakistanis, no matter their beliefs. By referencing Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of tolerance and inclusion, the army chief reinforced a narrative that many citizens have longed to see put into action.
This message was echoed by leaders across the political spectrum. President Asif Ali Zardari called Christmas a reminder of our shared humanity and compassion, reaffirming the constitutional protections for minorities. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of the Christian community in Pakistan’s national journey, framing Christmas as a message of love and goodwill for all. Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also highlighted the values of sacrifice, forgiveness, and unity, urging Pakistanis to look beyond religious differences and work towards collective progress.
The most visually stunning and emotionally impactful gesture of Christmas 2025 came from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Her bold decision to transform Lahore—the cultural heart of Punjab—into a lively Christmas wonderland was not just a festive act, but a powerful symbol of inclusion. The towering 42-foot Christmas tree at Liberty Chowk wasn’t merely a decoration; it stood as a clear declaration of unity. Streets adorned with twinkling lights, historic sites glowing in celebration, and the interfaith cycling heritage ride kicking off at Naulakha Church all showcased a thoughtful commitment to community rather than just a ceremonial gesture. These efforts were genuine investments in a shared future. When CM Maryam Nawaz said, “The lights of Christmas are illuminating every corner of Punjab… let us celebrate peace together as one family,” she highlighted a truth that many Pakistanis are beginning to embrace—that the nation’s real strength lies in its diversity.
The response from the Christian community was equally heartwarming, filled with gratitude, joy, and a renewed sense of belonging. For those who have often felt sidelined, this Christmas brought a powerful message: they are not outsiders, but vital contributors to Pakistan’s narrative. Heartwarming scenes of Muslim and Christian neighbors snapping photos together under the Christmas tree, children of various faiths marveling at the decorations, and families celebrating side by side painted a picture of the Pakistan many dream of—a place that is confident, inclusive, and united.
This Christmas has offered us a glimpse of the Pakistan we aspire to be. Now, it’s time for us to muster the courage and dedication needed to turn that vision into a lasting reality. The lights shining in our cities today can guide us on our journey—toward a Pakistan that is free from bias and religious extremism, where every citizen can proudly declare: this is my home, and I truly belong here.
As Pakistan steps into 2026, the essence of Christmas 2025 becomes a shared prayer. It’s a prayer for real continuity over empty symbolism, for policies that reflect genuine gestures, and for unity that lasts beyond the holiday festivities. If the tone set this December continues into the new year, Pakistan might just move closer to the vision envisioned at its founding: a country where faith is personal, citizenship is equal, and diversity is a strength, not a division.
