Religion

In photos: Pakistanis prepare for Christmas

Christmas trees, colourful lights and glittery decorations signal the start of Christmas celebrations.

Pakistan Forward and AFP

2018-12-21

Pakistani Christians buy decorations ahead of Christmas at a market in Karachi on December 16. [Asif Hassan/AFP]

A Christian woman looks at gifts at a roadside shop in Karachi December 18, ahead of the celebration of Christmas. [Asif/Hassan/AFP]

Christians look at gifts at a roadside shop in Karachi December 18, ahead of the celebration of Christmas. [Asif/Hassan/AFP]

Christians attend a candlelight carol service during a Christmas celebration in Lahore December 19. [Arif Ali/AFP]

A Christian girl decorates her house for the Christmas celebration in Karachi December 20. [Asif Hassan/AFP]

Pakistani children decorate a Christmas tree at their house in Quetta December 20. [Banaras Khan/AFP]

Christian girls decorate their house for the Christmas celebration in Karachi December 20. [Asif Hassan/AFP]

PAKISTAN -- Pakistanis in Karachi, Lahore and other parts of the country have been stringing up colourful lights, hanging decorations and visiting markets in preparation for Christmas on December 25.

Christians comprise approximately 1.6% of the Pakistan's population of almost 213 million, with the highest concentrations residing in Islamabad and Punjab administrative districts, according to the Pakistani government.

Estimates on minority groups are approximate and disputed, however, with some putting the number of Pakistani Christians between 2 million and 10 million.

Despite their small numbers and continuing threats from hardline religious groups and a history of brutal terrorist attacks, Pakistani Christians are celebrating the holiday with joy, music and Christmas trees.