Pakistan celebrates Eid with religious zeal amid coronavirus measures
Muslim devotees offer special prayers on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr in Lahore. AFP
Pakistan has celebrated Eid Al Fitr on Thursday with religious zeal while also observing precautionary measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Eid prayers were held in open spaces across the country with the implementation of COVID-19 SOPs to avoid the spread of the pandemic.
The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee late on Wednesday announced the sighting of the moon for the month of Shawwal, saying Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated across Pakistan on Thursday (May 13).
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The development came after a meeting took place in Islamabad at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony with RHC Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad in the chair.
Separate meetings of zonal and district Ruet committees were also held at their respective regional headquarters.
Muslim devotees offer special prayers on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr in Lahore on Thursday. Arif ALI/AFP
Addressing a press conference after the central committee's meeting ended, Maulana Azad said moon-sighting testimonies had been received from Chaman, Qila Saifullah, Pasni, Peshawar, Mirpurkhas and other areas.
In separate messages, President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan called on citizens to strictly adhere to anti-virus protocols while celebrating Eid Al Fitr, stating that the measures were necessary to avoid a massive outbreak.
President Alvi greeted the nation and the Muslim world on the occasion and prayed that the day brings plenty of joy.
Muslim devotees leave after offering prayers on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr at the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. AFP
Prime Minister Imran Khan urged the nation to strictly follow precautionary measures and show compassion to the less fortunate while celebrating.
The world is witnessing a third wave of the pandemic, he said, adding that people should exercise extra caution and strictly abide by SOPs. "The precautions are also the injunctions of Islam as well as the teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)," he said.
Khan asked the nation to take special care of the poor and needy, particularly the families suffering financially due to the pandemic, while celebrating Eid. He also called for remembering those who had sacrificed their lives for a greater cause to bring pride to the nation.
