Eid-ul-Azha commemorating the supreme sacrifice of Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), who agreed to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismail (AS) upon Allah's command, was celebrated with religious fervor and enthusiasm. The day dawned with special prayers in mosques for well-being of Muslim Ummah and safety and security of the country. Eid congregations were held at mosques, Eidgahs and open places in all cities, towns and villages across the province of Punjab. In their sermons, Ulema and Khateeb highlighted significance of the day and philosophy of sacrifice.
They urged the Muslim to remember their needy brothers on this occasion. Elaborate security arrangements were made to avoid any untoward incident. The Punjab governor Malik Rafique Rajwana offered Eid prayer at Governor's House Lahore and Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif offered his Eid prayer at Jati Umrah. Special prayers were made for the country's stability and integrity and well being of Muslim Ummah.
Prayers were also made for the martyrs of Pak army, police and other agencies who laid down their lives while safeguarding the country. After offering Eid prayers, the faithful slaughtered the sacrificial animals in remembrance of Sunnat-e Ibrahimi. People also visited graveyards to pay respect to their near and dear ones who left this world. On the occasion, prayers were made for the eternal peace of departed souls. Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Raffique accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Lahore visited Mianisahib graveyard to review anti-dengue arrangements.
Civic authorities of different cities and towns have also made special arrangements for disposal of offal and other solid waste during three days of Eid. Eid festivities continued for Sunday and Monday, the second and third day of Eid-ul-Azha. Those who could not sacrifice animals on Eid day ie Saturday, slaughtered goats, cows and camels following Sunnat-e-Ibrahimi, on Sunday and Monday.
People also visited their relatives and distributed sacrificial meat among them and poor people. A large number of families especially youth thronged recreational spots including gardens, Lahore Zoo, Cinema houses to enjoy Eid festivities.