Women share Eid Al Adha greeting after offering Eid prayers at historical Badshahi mosque in Lahore, Pakistan, on Sunday. AP

As Pakistan celebrates yet another Eid under the shadow of COVID-19 and amid economic challenges, the country’s leaders urged the nation to revive the spirit of sacrifice, help the poor and needy and follow precautionary measures against the coronavirus.

Massive congregations of Eid prayers were held across the country with special prayers offered for Pakistan’s prosperity. Prayers were also offered for the end of the coronavirus.

People were told to ensure precautionary measures such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing were followed.

Women greet each other after offering Eid Al Adha prayers in Lahore. AFP

President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif prayed for the growth and success of the country and encouraged people to follow coronavirus SOPs while performing their religious obligations.

Pakistan has consistently logged more than 500 daily infections since June 28, and the newly revived NCOC reintroduced masks and social distancing guidelines ahead of Eid.

As of Sunday, the country confirmed 502 new cases and one COVID-related fatality, as the positivity ratio was 2.73 per cent. About 145 patients were on critical care.

President Alvi offered Eid prayers at the Tooba Masjid in Karachi. In his Eid message, he said: “As the country faces economic challenges, there is a dire need to utilise the spirit of sacrifice, state news agency APP reported. He affirmed brotherhood, selflessness and empathy for the destitute to emerge as a strong nation.

“I pray to Allah Almighty to accept the Ibadah, Hajj and sacrifices of the Pakistani nation and the Muslim Ummah. Amen!” “Eid Al Adha reminds us of the submission and obedience of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS) before the command of Allah Almighty,” he said.

Dr Alvi said: “As our dear country faces economic challenges, there is a dire need to effectively utilise this spirit of sacrifice.”

Prime Minister Shahbaz, along with his son and Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz, offered Eid Al Adha prayers at his family residence at Jati Umra in Lahore. In his message to the nation on the occasion, the premier called on the people to “pay special attention to the needy and poor to truly realise the spirit of sacrifice.” He also appealed to the public to strictly follow precautionary measures against the coronavirus pandemic while celebrating Eid.

Shahbaz said: “Allah Almighty made sacrifice an extraordinary ritual to show immense admiration for the obedience of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS).

Meanwhile, Shahbaz called President Alvi to offer him Eid greetings. According to the government’s official Twitter account, the prime minister telephoned the president and congratulated him on Eid Al Adha.

Alvi also congratulated Shahbaz and “the two leaders expressed goodwill towards each other.”

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf Chariman Imran Khan, offered Eid prayers at his Banigala residence.

In a message posted on social media, the former prime minister said: “As we celebrate and thank Allah for his blessings this Eid that commemorates sacrifice, let us remember and pray for those who are without their loved ones & for the people of IIOJK and Palestine suffering oppression under brutal occupation.”

Agencies