INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Pakistan celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr with religious fervourISLAMABAD: Eidul Fitr is being celebrated across Pakistan
including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan with great religious fervour and festivity.The day dawned with special prayers for peace,
progress and prosperity of the country at Masajid
Al-Mukarram, following the fasting month of Ramazan
Eid is celebrated for a period of three days
It is a joyous occasion for all Muslims, particularly children
It is a time for spreading peace, sharing with others and giving thanks for completing another period of fasting for the month of
Ramazan.Muslims celebrate not only the end of fasting, but also thank God for the help and strength that He gave them throughout the
previous month to help them practice self-control
On the occasion, the faithful wear clean, neat clothes and offer Eid prayers at mosques, `Eidgahs'' and open places across the country -
seeking divine blessings for peace, progress and prosperity.Following the Eid prayers, Muslims spend their time feasting with family and
friends and feeding those who are less fortunate
Sweets and other special dishes would be prepared for serving the guests
People will also exchange gifts on the occasion.Special prayers are 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
The government has declared Eid holidays from June 15 to June 18
In the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the `Eid'' congregations were held at more than one thousand places.In Islamabad, the
biggest congregation was held at the grand Faisal Mosque, where the high-ups of the government are likely to offer Eid prayers
In Rawalpindi, the biggest Eid congregation was held at the historic Liaquat Bagh
The radio and television channels have chalked out a series of special programmes on the occasion of Eid
While newspapers will publish special supplements to highlight the significance of the day.Meanwhile, President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime
Minister Nasirul Mulk greeted nation on the occasion of Eidul Fitr being celebrated across Pakistan
In their messages both asked the people to pray for the peace, progress and prosperity of motherland and follow the teachings of Islam in
the true sense in reducing injustices in the society, promote the qualities of purity, self control, compassion and sacrifice.In his
message, President Mamnoon Hussain has said that following the teachings of Islam in true sense can help reduce injustices in the society
President Mamnoon said going through the spiritual experiences during the blessed month, gives a realization about the difficulties of
weaker segments of society
He said this creates a sense of sympathy for such people and encourages assistance for them with open hearts and minds
He said Eid is also the time to include the have-nots in the joy by providing them financial assistance through Zakat, Fitrana and Sadqa.He
said Eidul Fitr is a day of gratitude and bliss and extended heartiest felicitations to the Pakistani nation and the Muslims across the
He prayed that may Allah Almighty accept the prayers offered during the blessed month of Ramazan and make the homeland a haven of peace and
These blessed days focus on the restraint of the self and making it relevant with all matters of life, including those which would be very
significant in next few months.He pointed out that the environment of election campaign sometimes developed a sense of competition among the
people who either individually or collectively fall prey to several mistakes which are against the spirit of prayers
This creates animosity and bitterness among them, he added He urged upon the political workers, stakeholders and the nation to extend the
spirit of Ramazan to rest of their lives
He prayed to Allah Almighty to bring peace in the country and always shower His blessings on it.Prime Minister Justice (retd) Nasirul Mulk,
in his message to the nation, has observed that the joyous occasion of Eidul Fitr heralds completion of Ramazanul Mubarak which further
promotes the qualities of purity, self control, compassion and sacrifice.In a message on the occasion of Eidul Fitr being celebrated on
Saturday, he said for the worldly and religious accomplishments, it is necessary that the same passion and attitude practiced in the holy
month should be adhered to throughout the year, thus leading our lives in accordance with the teachings of Islam
The prime minister felicitated the nation and the Muslims all over the world on the august occasion and said the holy month of Ramazan had
provided them with the opportunities to earn the blessings of the month
He prayed for the peace, progress and prosperity of the motherland
He also stressed upon the inclusion of kin, neighbourhood, and all the needy people in the delights of the auspicious day, thus reflecting
the true spirit of the occasion
The prime minister said these were the teachings of Islam that bliss of this day should be shared with everyone including non-Muslim
brothers and sisters.In this way, the practical picture of religious tolerance and interfaith harmony should be presented
On this day, he said, the nation should also remember its sons who had sacrificed their lives against all the internal and external threats,
safeguarding the motherland.
