In pictures: Christmas in Pakistan

Wearing their Santa hats, the children can be seen weaving their way through the leashes of the winter evening; lights dance alongside the roads and decorations peep from railings of apartments. The animated hum of carol singing can be heard from the Church, the services have commenced. Christmas in Pakistan opens itself out to us.

The yearly tradition of midnight Church services, Christmas gatherings, the visits to people’s homes to do carol singing and the Christmas bazaars continues this year in full fervour. Here, the Herald takes a photographic journey through the preparations and merriment seen in cities across Pakistan to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.