KARACHI (UCAN): In an unprecedented move, Pakistan’s state-run news channel, PTV, ran a live broadcast of an Easter Mass in the Muslim-majority nation.
Archbishop Joseph Arshad, who celebrated the Mass at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Rawalpindi on April 12, thanked the national channel for broadcasting the Mass on both PTV World and PTV News.
Jamshed Masih, a Christian teacher, said it was a blessing to watch the Mass live on national channels. “In the past, channels would air news reports about Easter or Christmas, but I don’t remember watching live coverage of minority events,” Masih said.
Allama Muhammad Ahsan Siddiqui, chairperson of the Interfaith Commission for Peace and Harmony, welcomed the initiative saying.
“It’s a positive development indeed. I was in contact with several bishops myself. Minorities are equal citizens of Pakistan and deserve to be given airtime on state-run channels,” he said.
The move came as Pakistan’s bishops agreed to keep churches shut during Easter celebrations because of the Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown.
“We have to follow and implement the health guidelines released by the health experts, government and Church leaders,” Archbishop Arshad told the Mass.
“While celebrating the joy of Easter, let us also not forget all those affected who are suffering due to the Covid-19 epidemic. We pray for all who have lost their lives and their families. We entrust all the sick and suffering in the hands of God. May Almighty God protect them and grant them good health,” the archbishop said.
