Pakistan: Punjab Government Cleans Churches and Christian Colonies Ahead of Christmas 2025

The Punjab provincial government in Pakistan has launched a “Christmas Cleaning Plan 2025” to clean and wash churches, church surroundings, Christian colonies, and public parks in preparation for Christmas celebrations across Lahore, Multan, and other cities in the province.

According to official data released by the Punjab government, more than 2,900 churches will be prepared and secured for Christmas 2025. The operation involves 17,000 sanitary workers and supervisors, supported by 8,000 drivers and helpers, to ensure a clean and welcoming environment during the festive season.

A spokesperson for the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) said the initiative was launched on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

“As per the directions of the Chief Minister, we have launched this initiative and have also paid advance salaries and Christmas bonuses to our Christian staff to encourage them and enhance the festive spirit within the Christian community,” the spokesperson said.

He added that special sanitation teams will clean church buildings, gates, surrounding areas, Christian colonies, and roads leading to churches. Christmas markets set up by city administrations and public parks will also be cleaned to ensure a hygienic environment for celebrations.

“The plan includes the cleaning of prominent churches such as the Sacred Heart Cathedral of Lahore, St. Anthony’s Church, Cathedral Church, and Don Bosco Church,” he said.

Waste management staff will carry out mechanical washing, manual sweeping, container clearance, and lime sprinkling. Sanitation teams will remain on duty on December 24 and 25, working in two shifts to maintain cleanliness during Christmas festivities, the spokesperson added.

Fr. Qaisar Feroz, OFM Cap, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Social Communications, welcomed the initiative.

“It is a commendable effort by the government to show solidarity with Christians in Punjab at Christmas. This much-needed initiative should continue, as church communities often lack the machinery required to maintain large areas efficiently,” he told RVA.

The priest, who also serves as Director of the Urdu Service of Radio Veritas Asia in Pakistan, added that cleanliness contributes to a peaceful and joyful environment.

“Along with this initiative, I also appreciate the Punjab government for assuring maximum security in various cities for Christmas celebrations,” he said.

According to Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar, the province’s 2,900 churches have been categorized for security purposes: 142 churches in Category A (highly sensitive), 291 in Category B, and more than 2,500 in Category C.

More than 30,000 security personnel, including officers from the Counter Terrorism Department, Dolphin Squad, Punjab Response Unit, Elite Police, Lady Police Officers, snipers, and commandos, have been deployed to ensure the safety of Christian communities during Christmas.

Surveillance and screening cameras under the Safe City Project will be monitored continuously, while walkthrough gates and metal detectors will be installed at church entrances throughout the province.