LAHORE (Dunya News) - Eidul Azha congregations were held across the country and the faithful offerred Eid prayers on the auspicious day as the nation is celebrating Eidul Azha on Monday (today) with religious fervour and tradition.
Eidul Azha is celebrated in the 12th Islamic month which is called Zil Hajj. It is the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
They are sacrificing animals to celebrate the religious festival, also known as the festival of sacrifice.
PRESIDENT EXTENDS EID FELICITATIONS TO NATION
President Asif Ali Zardari has extended his warm felicitations to the nation and the Muslim Ummah on the blessed occasion of Eidul Azha. In a message, he prayed to Allah Almighty to grant His blessings and happiness to the Muslim world and Pakistan on this auspicious day.
PM EXTENDS GREETINGS TO MUSLIM UMMAH ON EIDUL AZHA
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended warm greetings to the Pakistani nation and Muslims around the world on the auspicious occasion of Eidul Azha.
In a message, he said Eid-ul-Azha commemorates the unwavering commitment and readiness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his beloved son Prophet Ismail (AS) without hesitation, as commanded by Almighty Allah.
“The day reminds us of the importance of sacrificing what is most dear to us in the way of Allah. It teaches us the value of selflessness and devotion to Allah.”
The prime minister said the day also serves as an occasion to unite the people and foster the bonds of brotherhood and fraternity as well as to look after the less fortunate amongst us and make them part of our collective celebration.
CJCSC, SERVICES CHIEFS FELICITATE NATION ON EIDUL AZHA
The Armed Forces of Pakistan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and Services Chiefs extended their warm felicitations to all Pakistanis on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.
According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release on Sunday, “This sacred event embodies the spirit of sacrifice for the greater good.
On this auspicious day, we are indebted to our martyrs and ghazis for the independence and peace which prevail in the country, and pay tribute to their ultimate sacrifices.”
It further said, “May Allah Almighty continue to bestow His blessings upon Pakistan and protect it from the nefarious designs of its adversaries, Ameen.”
SECURITY TIGHTENED
The law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) have drawn up a well-coordinated plan to avert any untoward incidents.
The Punjab Police have devised a comprehensive security plan to ensure a peaceful Eidul Azha throughout the province.
The plan involves deploying approximately 40,000 police personnel at 26,500 mosques and imambargahs as well as 900 open Eid gatherings, according to Dr Usman Anwar, the Punjab Police chief.
In Lahore alone, around 6,000 policemen will be assigned to secure over 5,000 Eid prayer gatherings.
Anwar mentioned that 3,000 personnel were dedicated to securing 227 cattle markets. He emphasised the implementation of Home Department SOPs for the collection of sacrificial skins.
As the Eidul Azha is around the corner, the schedule of the country's top politicians has revealed where they will be offering the Eid prayer.
WHERE WILL COUNTRY'S TOP POLITICIANS OFFER EID PRAYER
President Asif Ali Zardari will offer the Eid prayer in Nawabshah. PM Shehbaz Sharif will offer Eid prayer in Lahore while Opposition Leader Omer Ayub in Haripur.
Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani and Opposition Leader in Senate Shibli Faraz will offer the Eid prayer in Multan and Lahore while NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in Islamabad.
Former Senate chairman Sadiq Sanjrani will offer the Eid prayer in Quetta.
Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah will offer Eid prayer in Sehwan while KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur will offer the Eid prayer in Dera Ismail Shah and Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti will offer in Dera Bugti.
Also, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Balochistan Governor Jaffer Khan Mandokhel will offer the Eid prayer in Karachi and Quetta. Parvez Khattak will offer Eid prayer in Nowshera.
PPP’s chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif will offer the Eid prayer in Larkana and Lahore respectively.
MAJORITY OF SC, LHC JUDGES MARKING FESTIVITY IN LAHORE
Majority of SC, LHC judges marking festivity in Lahore, Majority of judges of the Supreme Court (SC) and the Lahore High Court (LHC) will celebrate Eid in Lahore.
SC judges namely Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Ameenuddin Khan, Justice Ayesha A. Malik will be in Lahore for the occasion.
Similarly, Justice Shahid Waheed of the apex court, former chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) Tassaduq Hussain Jillani will also celebrate Eid in the provincial capital.
Likewise, Justice Shujaat Ali Khan, Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, Justice Miss Alia Neelum, Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh of the LHC will also celebrate Eid in Lahore.
ANIMALS SACRIFICING AT SINDH GOVERNOR'S HOUSE
As promised by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, 100 camels, 100 goats and 10 cows will be slaughtered at the Governors’ House during the Eid days. Later packets of ration as well as meat will also be distributed among deserving people.
NO LETUP IN HEATWAVE DURING EID HOLIDAYS
Heatwave continued to prevail in the city here on Sunday while Met Office predicted similar weather conditions during Eid holidays.
Met officials said the continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country while a shallow westerly wave was likely to approach northern parts from Monday.