Nation celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr with religious zeal today

ISLAMABAD: Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated today all-over Pakistan, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan with great religious zeal, fervor and festivity, marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramazan.

Big Eid congregations will be held all-over Pakistan. Special arrangements had been made to offer Eid prayer across the country.

On the occasion, special prayers will be offered for the progress and prosperity of the country, unity of the ‘Ummah’, solution of their problems and liberation of Muslim territories, including occupied Kashmir.

In the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the Eid congregations too place at more than 300 places. In Islamabad, the largest congregation will be held at the grand Faisal Mosque, where the high-ups of the government also offered Eid prayers.

In Rawalpindi, the biggest Eid congregation will be held at the historic Liaquat Bagh. Following the Eid prayers, Muslims spent their time feasting with family and friends and feeding those who are less fortunate.

In Karachi Eid congregations will be held at Memon mosque, Bagh-e-Jinnah, Nishtar Park, National stadium and other small and large places and mosques.

Sweets and other special dishes are being prepared for serving the guests. People also exchanged gifts on the occasion.

Immediately after the announcement that the Shawwal moon has been sighted on Tuesday night, a wave of happiness surged through the masses. People swarmed the markets and Eid bazaars for shopping and women crowded the beauty parlours and shops, selling bangles and mehndi. Till late night people were busy in shopping in the markets.

Meanwhile foolproof security measures have been adopted on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Policemen have been deputed outside the bazaars, shopping centres and sensitive public and private buildings. Strict security measures had also been adopted outside the ‘Eidgahs’, while police kept patrolling.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have greeted the people of the country on the occasion of Eid, and urged them to promote affection, tolerance, patience and brotherhood. The two leaders said these principles were needed to create a society according to the tenets of Islam