ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s prime minister asked for compliance with health guidelines and conveyed his best wishes to members of the Christian community as Christmas celebrations kicked off on Friday.
As a second wave of the pandemic is sweeping through Pakistan, earlier this week the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) issued coronavirus guidelines for Christmas events to prevent the spread of COVID-19. On Thursday, with 111 deaths, the country reported the second highest number of virus-related fatalities since the beginning of the outbreak in March.
“Please continue to follow COVID-19 SOPs to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe,” Prime Minister Imran Khan said in a tweet on Friday morning as he wished Christians a happy holiday.
A very #MerryChristmas to all Christian citizens!
Please continue to follow COVID-19 SOPs to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe. pic.twitter.com/boLaKKLbJt— Prime Minister's Office, Pakistan (@PakPMO) December 25, 2020
Planning Minister Asad Umar who last week tested positive for the coronavirus also asked those celebrating to be “responsible” in how they celebrate.
“Take the right precautions for yourself and your loved ones,” he tweeted.
Wishing Christians around the world a very merry Christmas. Be responsible in how you celebrate and take the right precautions for yourself and your loved ones
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) December 25, 2020
Christianity is the third largest religion in Pakistan, followed by 1.6 percent of its 220 million population.
Special ceremonies and prayers have been in churches across the country since Christmas Eve on Thursday evening.
