Jumat-ul-Wida, the last Friday of the Holy month of Ramazan, was observed across the country with traditional religious zeal and reverence. The day was also observed as Youm-ul-Quds in the country to express support and solidarity with oppressed Muslims of Palestine. Youm-ul-Quds is observed annually on the last Friday of Ramazan to oppose Israel's control of Jerusalem.
Islamabad Capital Territory Police planned foolproof security arrangements for Jamat-ul-Wida and Youm-ul-Quds with deployment of commandos to avert any untoward incident. Jumat-ul-Wida has special significance since it is a prelude to the departure of Holy month of Ramazan and is considered the harbinger of end of showering of divine blessings that characterise the holy month. Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) also stressed the sanctity of the day. Millions of fasting people offered Friday prayers across the country in mosques and prayer grounds.
In capital, the biggest gathering of Jumat-ul-Wida was held at Faisal Mosque. All large and small mosques across the country were tastefully decorated with illuminations and bunting and mosque administrations made special arrangements to accommodate the extraordinary number of worshippers and provide them with extra space outside mosques. Special security arrangements were made to ensure safety of people offering prayers inside mosques.
Ulema and religious leaders urged greater Muslim unity and called for making joint struggle for progress and prosperity of Muslim world. They also emphasised the importance of maintaining unity and sectarian harmony, asking people to beware of miscreants and anti-state elements who want to create animosity and hatred among followers of different schools of thought.
They also called for greater unity among Muslims to counter present day challenges. On the occasion, special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and unity of Muslims the world over. Prayers were also offered for independence of Kashmir, Palestine and other parts of world where Muslims are engaged in struggle for their right to self-determination. They prayed for the success of Muslims' freedom movements.