The nation across the country on Saturday celebrated Eidul Fitr with religious zeal, fervour and traditional festivity. Big congregations were held at open places, mosques, Eidgahs and imambargahs in all major cities and towns. Ulema and religious scholars in their Eid sermons highlighted the significance of the day and urged the people to follow the teachings of Islam and the Holy Quran. The scholars urged the faithful to adhere to the Islamic teachings as were practiced by Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). They underlined the need of complete unity among the Muslim Ummah. Special prayers were offered for the integrity, solidarity and prosperity of the country, and for the liberation of Palestine and other occupied Muslim lands. They also prayed for the welfare and well-being of the Ummah. After Eid prayer, people visited residences of their relatives and friends to exchange Eid greetings and distributed Eidi among children. Strict security measures were in place across the country to avoid any untoward incident during Eid holidays. In Islamabad, the biggest Eid congregation was held at Faisal Mosque where government officials and envoys of Islamic countries offered Eid prayers. President Mamnoon Hussain offered Eid prayers at State Guest House in Karachi. Prime Minister Justice (r) Nasir ul Mulk offered Eid prayers in the mosque at Prime Minister’s House. The prime minister along with other worshippers prayed for peace and prosperity of the country. After the prayer, he exchanged Eid greetings with the people. The prime minister also hosted an open house reception at the PM’s House. The reception was attended by diplomats, dignitaries, senior government officials and guests who called on the prime minister and exchanged Eid greetings. Foreign Minister Abdullah Hussain Haroon, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan were also among those who met the prime minister and shared Eid greetings. Published in Daily Times, June 19th 2018.