ISLAMABAD, JUNE 18 (DNA): Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with religious zeal and fervor in the twin-cities and across the country.

The day dawned with special prayers for peace, progress and prosperity of the country at Masajid. Eid is an Arabic term meaning “festivity” or “celebration” while Fitr means “to break the fast”.

Big Eid congregations were held at open places, mosques and eidgahs in all major cities and towns. The Ulema in their sermons highlighted the significance and philosophy of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of the country and welfare of the Muslim Ummah. Strict security measures were put in place to avoid any untoward incident.

In Islamabad, the biggest congregation was held at the grand Faisal Mosque, where the high-ups of the government offered Eid prayers. In Rawalpindi, the biggest Eid congregation was held at the historic Liaquat Bagh.

The radio and television channels chalked out a series of special programmes on the occasion of Eid. While newspapers published special supplements to highlight the significance of the day.

Security remained on high alert in different parts of the country, including the federal capital, to avoid any untoward incident on the auspicious occasion. Snap checking and patrolling by law enforcing agencies have been increased.

People from twin-cities thronged to the Lake View Park in order to enjoy themselves. The visitors wanted to enjoy boat ride but they could not as most part of the Rawal Lake were without water due to drought.

The youngsters as usual were out on roads doing one-wheeling however the Capital police came in action immediately and hauled up scores of youngsters involved in one-wheeling.

Meanwhile, President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nasirul Mulk greeted nation on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.

In their messages both asked the people to pray for the peace, progress and prosperity of motherland and follow the teachings of Islam in the true sense in reducing injustices in the society, promote the qualities of purity, self control, compassion and sacrifice.

In his message, President Mamnoon Hussain has said that following the teachings of Islam in true sense can help reduce injustices in the society. President Mamnoon said going through the spiritual experiences during the blessed month, gives a realization about the difficulties of weaker segments of society.

He said Eidul Fitr is a day of gratitude and bliss and extended heartiest felicitations to the Pakistani nation and the Muslims across the world.

He prayed that prayers offered during the blessed month of Ramazan and make the homeland a haven of peace and prosperity. Mamnoon said Ramazanul Mubarak is a month of self-training and preparation to develop one’s life in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

He pointed out that the environment of election campaign sometimes developed a sense of competition among the people who either individually or collectively fall prey to several mistakes which are against the spirit of prayers.

 This creates animosity and bitterness among them, he added He urged upon the political workers, stakeholders and the nation to extend the spirit of Ramazan to rest of their lives. He prayed to Allah Almighty to bring peace in the country and always shower His blessings on it.

Prime Minister Justice (retd) Nasirul Mulk, in his message to the nation, has observed that the joyous occasion of Eidul Fitr heralds completion of Ramazanul Mubarak which further promotes the qualities of purity, self control, compassion and sacrifice.=DNA

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