Festivities Filled Karachi’s City Court for Community Gathering
The festive spirit engulfed Christians who convened at Karachi’s City Court, where legal professionals organized a special event to celebrate Christmas. This occasion was hosted by the International Lawyers Forum and saw over 100 lawyers in attendance alongside prominent civil society figures.
As visitors entered through balloons-adorned doors accompanied by fragrant rose petals, they were greeted with a vibrant scene of joyous activity—children danced to jingling music and songs from The Salvation Army Pakistan brought smiles aloft as the atmosphere was steeply juxtaposed against their black-and-white legal attire.
- Cardinal Joseph Coutts, an esteemed guest speaker who holds significant religious stature within Christian communities in Karachi, graced this event with his presence as its honored figurehead—a first for Pakistani Christians given the country’s predominantly Muslim population and history of persecution.
Interfaith harmony was at heart during these celebrations wherein notable participants from diverse religious backgrounds such as Allama Sadiq Jafri, representing Islamic scholarship, Sardar Hari Singh advocating for the Pakistani Sikh community’s interests and welfare within Pakistan (with a special mention to Vijay Maharaj on behthyreal’s behalf), made it evident that Christianity in Karachi is not an isolated narrative.
Prominent legal personalities from different bar associations, including Sindh High Court Bar Association President Sarfaraz Ali Metlo and the current president of SHCBA Ikhtiar Ali Channa as well as ILF Chairman Nasir Ahmed accompanied by Karachi’s own judicial elite like Amir Nawaz Warraich, embodied a significant section in Pakistani society dedicated to upholding human rights and minority issues.
In his address on the Christmas celebration’s auspicious occasion, Cardinal Coutts called for unity and peace among humans globally—an essential sentiment reflective of Christian teaching but also fitting within a broader universal message as he spoke: “The most important thing is not just to celebrate [Christmas] but also understand its message.” He further expounded on the significance of Jesus Christ’s title, “Prince of Peace,” emphasizing that without justice and sincerity in human affairs there can be no enduring peace.
Counternarratives arose within his speech when he recalled Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s principles—“unity, faith and discipline”—but lamented the current state of discord where “neither unity nor discipline is apparent.” Allama Sadiq Jafri also echoed this sentiment but added a liberal perspective by asserting that all individuals should have their right to live freely upheld without infringement on personal beliefs, and highlighted December 25th’s dual significance of celebrating both Christmas and the birthday of Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
- Sister Venus’ presence signified inclusivity as she expressed that while this event was primarily organized for Christian attendees, it aimed to encompass all faith-based communities—emphasizing an interfaith bouquet celebration with the assistance of Sister Nargis. Her words resonate in a Pakistani milieu where religious and minority groups often feel marginalized.
The event was not limited to speeches, but also included interactive sessions including picture-taking opportunities for Christians interacting respectfully alongside their guests—a powerful visual testament of fellowship across faiths on this special day amidst the backdrop of a society that has historically struggled with religious coexistence.
- The event concluded in festivity and celebration, culminating with an unforgettable cake-cutting ceremony where each slice bore the word “Merry Christmas,” serving as both sweet sustenance for participants while also symbolizing communal unity that transcends any religious divide—a poignant moment of collective joy amidst a city steeped in history and diversity.