Pakistan: Church Leaders Hail Government’s Two-Day Christmas Holiday as an Inclusive Move

Church leaders and members of the Christian community in Pakistan’s Sindh Province have welcomed the provincial government’s decision to grant a two-day Christmas holiday, calling it a significant and inclusive step that allows Christians to celebrate the feast without interruption.

In addition to the fixed Christmas holiday on December 25, the Government of Sindh has announced December 26 as an additional holiday for Christian employees working in both the public and private sectors. The decision was communicated through the General Administration and Coordination Department of the Sindh Services.

“I appreciate the government’s decision to facilitate Christians in the province. It was a long-awaited move,” said Fr. Anthony Ibraz, parish priest of St. Thomas Parish in Karachi. “Church leaders, political representatives, and members of civil society have played a vital role in presenting this request to the Sindh government over the past few years.”

Welcoming the announcement, Fr. Ibraz noted that the decision would especially benefit working Christians. “It will help male members of families, the primary breadwinners, who were often forced to return to work the day immediately after Christmas,” he said.

The priest further encouraged his parishioners to make full use of the extended holiday. “I have urged them to spend quality time together, participate in Christmas celebrations at church, and visit friends and relatives while sharing the message of love, peace, hope, and togetherness,” he added.

Fr. Ibraz, who also heads the Communications Office of the Catholic Archdiocese of Karachi, expressed appreciation for the Sindh government’s assurance of comprehensive security arrangements for Christmas Masses and related events across the province.

Fr. Ryan Joseph, parish priest of St. Lawrence’s Parish in Karachi, also welcomed the move. Speaking to RVA, he said, “I sincerely appreciate the Government of Sindh for declaring December 25 and 26 as holidays for Christians in observance of Christmas. This gesture affirms the Christian community’s place and contribution within the nation and upholds the spirit of religious freedom and inclusion.”

“Such recognition fosters harmony and mutual respect in our pluralistic society,” he added. “We are grateful for this step and hope it continues to strengthen peace and unity among all the people of Pakistan.”

Asif Emmanuel, National Coordinator of Jesus Youth Pakistan, said the announcement has brought great joy to the Christian community in Sindh. “Along with the two-day Christmas holiday, Christians will effectively receive a longer break, as December 27 is observed as a public holiday in Sindh to mark the martyrdom of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was killed on December 27, 2008, and December 28 falls on a Sunday,” he explained.

“We praise and thank God that this year we will have more time to celebrate Christmas with our family members and friends,” Emmanuel concluded.