ISLAMABAD: For the first time in the country`s history, the government has announced a nationwide optional holiday for Christians on the occasion of Easter Monday, on April 17.

The interior ministry on Friday announced: `On special instructions of the Prime Minister, Monday will be an optional holiday across the country for the Christian community on account of Easter.

A resolution to declare Easter a national holiday for Christians was presented by lawmakerDrRameshKumar Vankwani in the National Assembly last month.

The resolution, which was passed unanimously by the house, said: `The house is of the opinion that the government should take steps to declare Holi, Diwali and Easter national holidays for minorities.