Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated all-over the country, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan with great religious zeal, fervour and festivity, marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramazan. Big Eid congregations were held all over the country. Special prayers were 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 were held at over 300 places. In Islamabad, the largest congregation was held at the grand Faisal Mosque, where the high-ups of the government also offered Eid prayers. In Rawalpindi, the biggest Eid congregation was held at the historic Liaquat Bagh. Ulema and Khatib delivered sermons highlighting the great importance of the day and urged Muslims to follow the path of Allah and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and fully act upon the teachings of Islam.
Special prayers were offered for peace, prosperity and solidarity of the country and unity of the Ummah. Special prayers were also offered for the liberation of a part of the Jammu & Kashmir from the Indian yoke as well as for the Palestinians, who are engaged in the struggle to achieve their justified right for a sovereign homeland - the state of Palestine.
Following the Eid prayers, Muslims spent their time feasting with family and friends and feeding those who are less fortunate. Sweets and other special dishes were prepared for serving the guests. People also exchanged gifts on the occasion. The government has declared Eid holidays from September 21 to 23 and paid advanced salaries to employees for enabling them to meet their Eid expenses. On this occasion, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) also offered a special package on Eid days to encourage people to exchange Eid greetings with their near and dear ones.
Immediately after the announcement that the Shawwal moon has been sighted on Sunday, a wave of happiness ripped 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 remained busy shopping in the markets. Meanwhile, foolproof security measures were adopted on the occasion of Eid. Policemen were deputed outside bazaars, shopping centres and sensitive public and private buildings. Strict security measures had also been adopted outside the Eidgahs, while police and Rangers kept patrolling.
Meanwhile, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration and ICT Police had made comprehensive foolproof arrangements to ensure safety of citizens during Eid-ul-Fitr and no untoward incident was reported. The city had been divided into various zones to maintain law and order and to avert any untoward incident. Special security measures were taken for Chaand Raat as well as Eid-ul-Fitr congregations.
Foolproof security arrangements were in place for the security of mosques and Imambargahs. The ICT administration had deployed extra police force at all the sensitive places. Security in the markets, commercial centres, parks and public places had also been enhanced and private security guards had been directed to remain extra vigilant.
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