Eidul Fitr is being celebrated with religious fervour and devotion across Pakistan. From the capital city of Islamabad to provincial capitals like Karachi, Quetta and Lahore, Muslims have gathered in mosques and prayer grounds to offer prayers for national security, prosperity, and the well-being of fellow Muslims, particularly those in Palestine.
In Islamabad, the largest Eid gathering was held at the iconic Faisal Mosque, where thousands congregated for the Eid prayer. Among the worshippers were dignitaries, including ambassadors from various countries, such as Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Kareem Al-Eisa, the secretary general of the Muslim World League, delivered a sermon, urging for unity and compassion among Muslims worldwide.
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President Asif Ali Zardari offered Eidul Fitr prayers in Nawabshah. and prayed for the security, progress, and prosperity of the country. Later, he met with people in the mosque and exchanged Eid greetings with them.
In Lahore, the historic Badshahi Masjid witnessed one of the largest Eid gatherings in the country, where Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman offered Eid prayers. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered prayers near his Model Town residence. Federal minister Attaullah Tarar and MNA Hamza Shehbaz also prayed at the same mosque along with the PM.
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا عید کے موقع پر پیغام pic.twitter.com/KrcluAifG4
— President PMLN (@president_pmln) April 10, 2024
After the prayers, the premier wished the entire nation a happy Eid, and pledged to make Pakistan a developed country. He also said that people must think about those suffering and take care of those who did not have the resources.
He also said the entire country must raise their voices against the oppression in Palestine, while the Kashmiri brethren also continued to suffer too.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and exchanged Eid greetings. They expressed best wishes for each other.
In Karachi, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori offered Eid prayers at Polo Ground, while Mufti Taqi Usmani presided over the congregation at Nazimabad Eidgah.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and the deputy mayor, the UAE consul general, ambassadors of various Muslim countries, and former Karachi mayor Waseem Akhtar also reached the Polo Ground to offer Eid prayers.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif offered the prayers in Sialkot Cantt, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar participated in Eid prayers in his hometown of Buner, and former interior minister Rana Sanaullah at his outhouse in Faisalabad.
Also Read: PM extends Eid wishes, calls for global support for Palestinians, Kashmiris
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur offered prayers in his native district of Dera Ismail Khan. Special prayers were offered for national security, prosperity, national unity and unity of the Muslim world. Prayers were also dedicated to the security and stability of the nation, as well as to the welfare of Muslims facing hardships, particularly in Palestine.
Islamabad security
On the other hand, elaborate security arrangements were put in place across major cities. In Islamabad alone, more than 2,500 personnel were deployed to ensure the safety and well-being of worshippers and citizens alike, as Eid prayers were arranged in 625 mosques and more than 200 imambargahs in the federal capital.
Jamaat-e-Islami protest
Also, after the prayer in Islamabad, the Jamaat-e-Islami protested in support of Palestine outside Faisal Mosque. Hundreds of people participated in the demonstration, shouting slogans in favour of Palestine. The protesters demanded the international community stop Israeli terrorism against Palestinians immediately.
JI leader Mian Aslam said: "The protection of Al-Aqsa Mosque is a duty for all of us. If the governments can't do anything, then get out of the way of the people. The rulers should break their silences and raise their voice for the oppressed Palestinians," he urged.
