ISLAMABAD: Nation across the country on Saturday celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with religious zeal, fervour and traditional festivity.
Big Eid 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 called upon the faithful to adhere to the Islamic teachings, as were practiced in his life by Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
They underlined the need of complete unity among the Muslim Ummah, in their rank and file to counter evil designs of anti-Islam forces.
They also highlighted the last sermon of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), which had delivered while performing Hajjat-ul-Wida, as a guideline for the Ummah and the entire humanity for all times to come.
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 the prayer of Eidul Fitr at State Guest House in Karachi. The president prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of the country. The president mixed up with the people and exchanged Eid greetings with them.
Prime Minister Justice (Retd) Nasir ul Mulk offered Eid prayer 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 in connection with Eid-ul-Fitr at PM 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.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa spent the day of Eid-ul-Fitr with troops along the Line of Control (LoC). He offered Eid prayer there and prayed for peace and prosperity of the country.
Talking to troops, the COAS lauded their commitment, high morale and devotion for the defence of the motherland. “As soldiers, we should be proud of celebrating such festivities away from our homes and dear ones for being on duty for the security of our country and fellow countrymen.” The army chief especially hailed all martyrs of Pakistan for their sacrifices in the line of duty.
In Lahore, the biggest Eid congregation was held at Badshahi Mosque, where Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana offered Eid prayer.
In Karachi, the main Eid congregation was held at Gulshan-e-Jinnah (Old Polo Ground), where Governor Sindh Muhammad Zubair, high ranking officials and diplomats of Islamic countries offered Eid prayer.
After Eid prayer, the Sindh governor exchanged Eid greetings with the people. Talking to media persons on the occasion, he extended Eid greetings to the whole nation.
Eid congregations were also held at Nishtar Park, National Stadium, Eidgah Nazimabad and T-Ground and other parts of the city.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra offered Eid prayer in Peshawar. More than 180 Eid prayer congregations were held at open places, parks, mosques, Imambargahs, and Eidgahs, while the main congregation was held at Eidgah Toghi road, Quetta.
Governor Balochistan Muhammad Khan Achakzai offered Eid prayer in his native town Killah Abdullah and caretaker Chief Minister Balochistan Alauddin Marri in Quetta.