Major gatherings were held at Cathedral Church situated on the Mall and Saint Anthony's-Lawrence Road. Christmas trees and cribs were decorated in almost all the churches. Administrations of respective city churches set up special fairs at the churches where Christian families enjoyed the festive event. Christmas celebrations started with the midnight mass at churches illuminated and decorated with Christmas trees and bells.
Christmas in Pakistan is an event of family reunion where dear and near ones gather at homes of the elders to celebrate occasion. Children, collected gifts, tastefully wrapped and placed under the Christmas trees at the homes of all relatives. The Bishop of Pakistan, Bishop Samuel Assure, said in his message that it was unfortunate that Pakistan and its worship places had become a target of violence. The Bishop of Lahore, Dr Alexander John Malik, in his message said that Christmas was the feast of victory over sin and death. Through resurrection, Jesus Christ had emerged triumphant over the demonic forces of evil and death.
"This occasion provides hope to all those who are struggling against the forces of evil and injustice and that their struggle would be fruitful even through death, "Dr Alexander Johon Malik further added. It may be mentioned here that the Punjab government took special security measures in the wake of recent terrorist incidents in Peshawar. The security at churches across the city has been increased with deployment of extra police force. The Youngman Christian Association (YMCA) youth composed songs and sung to mark the birth of Jesus. Moreover, "Santa" was also there to distribute prizes among the visitors of Churches.
Various national leaders and political parties extended Christmas greetings to the Christmas community and wished them all the happiness and blessings. Chief Minister Shhbaz Sharif and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz chief Nawaz Sharif also felicitated the Christian community on the occasion. Bishop Raja Robert, Pakistan Christian Party Chairman, Bishop Yaqoob Pal, and a large number of Christian participated in it.