LAHORE,Pakistan – Pakistani Christians are preparing for a silent and low key Christmas without much public pomp and display as the fear of more violence remains high. Archbishop Saldanha of Lahore and president of the Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, said that 2009 is going to end in a ‘silent Christmas’ because the country’s situation is very bad.

In previous years, schools and parishes used to organise outdoor recitals, carols and other events associated with the festivities. This year, many people “have already cancelled events” and ‘outdoor decorations will not be put up on homes and buildings.’