PM, President laud Christian community’s ‘role, contributions’ as Easter celebrated nationwide

• Premier Shehbaz, President Zardari highlight message of hope, renewal and unity, saying day symbolizes triumph of good over evil

• Leaders praise contributions to education, health, defence, reaffirming Christian community’s integral role in Pakistan’s social fabric

• Christian community marks festival with devotion, midnight prayers, exchanges greetings and shares meals

• Tarar calls for unity among churches, proposes joint platform

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday extended warm Easter greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and across the world, lauding their “admirable services” and invaluable contributions to national development, as the country joined global celebrations of the Easter, symbolising hope, renewal and the triumph of good over evil.

In separate messages, both leaders described Easter as a day embodying compassion, rebirth and spiritual renewal, while reaffirming the Christian community’s integral role in Pakistan’s social fabric. They emphasised that the community’s contributions across sectors “deserve recognition and respect”.

 Christian community celebrates Easter with devotion and joy

Across Pakistan, the Christian community marked Easter with deep religious devotion and festivity, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ — a symbol of victory over death and a message of eternal life, hope, forgiveness and new beginnings.

Pastor Stephen John of The Fellowship United Pakistan Church, G-7 Markaz Islamabad, told APP that Easter is the most significant festival for Christians, reminding believers that every hardship is followed by ease and renewal.

He said special worship services begin before midnight on Saturday, allowing worshippers to enter Sunday — the “day of victory” — in a state of prayer and devotion.

Khurram Masih, a member of the community, said he reached church around 11pm and remained engaged in prayers and worship until about 4am, reflecting the tradition of night-long vigil.

He noted that Christians observe fasting for 40 days — completed over 46 days as Sundays are excluded — making Easter a moment of spiritual reward after patience and devotion.

Easter, also referred to by many as “Eid Qayamat-ul-Masih”, reflects the belief in resurrection and new life.

The festival is observed on varying dates each year based on a lunar calculation. As determined by the First Council of Nicaea, Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following March 21. This year, the full moon appeared on April 2, placing Easter on April 5.

It follows Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday — marking Jesus Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem — and concluding with Easter Sunday. Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, while Good Friday, observed on April 3 this year, marks the crucifixion.

Easter Sunday, believers say, is a day of joy and hope, symbolising resurrection and inspiring faith, courage and optimism for the future.

Special prayers were held in churches across Islamabad and other cities, with large congregations gathering for services. Families exchanged greetings, shared meals and celebrated the occasion in a spirit of unity and love.

 ‘Message of peace ever more significant’

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended heartfelt greetings to Christians worldwide and in Pakistan.

“I also extend my best wishes on the traditional festivities of Easter to all citizens,” he said in a statement.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif's Message on the occasion of Easter, April 5, 2026.

On this joyous and auspicious occasion of Easter, on behalf of the people and the Government of Pakistan, I extend my heartfelt greetings, to the Christians around the world and especially… pic.twitter.com/G6txWTFBKS

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) April 4, 2026

He highlighted that Pakistan’s Christian community continues to render commendable services across all professional fields, playing an active and invaluable role in the country’s economic and social development.

In what he termed a “tenacious global environment”, the prime minister observed that the message of peace — inherent in all religions — has become increasingly significant.

“Easter, like all religious occasions, carries a universal message of love and renewed hope for all humanity,” he said.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he said ensuring the protection of the religious, economic and educational rights of all citizens, especially minorities, remains a key priority.

He stressed that religious harmony and multiculturalism reflect Pakistan’s diversity, adding that collective efforts are essential for national unity and the pursuit of a welfare state.

“Let us renew our pledge that with unity, dedication and sincerity, we will continue to work tirelessly for the progress and prosperity of our beloved country,” he said.

In a post on X, the premier added that the teachings of Hazrat Esa (AS) continue to inspire millions to build a society free from evil and rooted in compassion for the underprivileged.

On the blessed occasion of Easter, I extend heartfelt greetings to our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan and around the world.

The sacred teachings of Hazrat Esa (AS) continue to inspire millions, reminding us to build a society free from evil and to show compassion…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 5, 2026

‘Day symbolises compassion, renewal and triumph of good’

President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, praised the Christian community for its continued contributions, particularly in education, healthcare, defence and social services.

On Easter, President Asif Ali Zardari extends greetings to Christians in Pakistan and around the world, acknowledging their contributions to national life and reaffirming the state’s commitment to equality, inclusion and protection for all citizens. pic.twitter.com/BxDxVL9XuR

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) April 4, 2026

He said Easter carries a powerful message of compassion, hope, renewal, redemption and the triumph of life over death and good over evil.

“In Pakistan, these values are not abstract — they are reflected in everyday life,” he said, noting the community’s presence in schools, hospitals, public services and the armed forces.

The president said these contributions form an essential part of society’s functioning and deserve recognition.

He recalled the historic role of S. P. Singha, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, in the creation of Pakistan, as well as the heroism of Cecil Chaudhry during the 1965 war.

Reiterating the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he emphasised a state founded on equality, freedom and security for all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity — principles enshrined in the Constitution.

Christian men & women serve in our schools, hospitals, public services & armed forces. Families mark this day through prayer & gathering.… Their contribution is part of the normal functioning of our society & it deserves recognition & respect. pic.twitter.com/HZV3MCfnnp

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) April 5, 2026

“I reaffirm the state’s responsibility to ensure that all communities enjoy these rights fully,” he said, pledging continued protection of the life, property, honour and security of minority communities.

He also urged citizens to act with restraint, respect and responsibility, stressing that a stable society depends on everyday conduct in workplaces, neighbourhoods and institutions.

 Tarar underscores unity, proposes joint church platform

Separately, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar extended Easter greetings to the Christian community, acknowledging its significant role in national development, education and defence.

Speaking to media at Eternal Life Church, Kot Lakhpat, he said he proudly represents thousands of Christians and considers it his duty to stand with them in both joy and sorrow.

He called for greater unity among churches and proposed the formation of a joint committee representing various denominations, assuring that he would facilitate a meeting with relevant federal authorities in Islamabad within the same week.

Paying tribute to prominent Christian figures, he honoured national hero Cecil Chaudhry as one of the finest pilots, and highlighted the community’s sacrifices alongside Muslims in the fight against terrorism.

“Their blood and contributions are an integral part of Pakistan’s security and resilience,” he said.