ISLAMABAD, 01 JULY (DNA) – Jumat-ul-Wida, the last Friday of holy month of Ramazan, was observed with religious zeal and fervor across the country on Friday. Security was tightened across the country on this occasion.

A large number of fasting faithful thronged the mosques and imambargahs to offer Friday prayers and seek blessings of God Almighty. In Islamabad, the main congregation was held at the Faisal Mosque where envoys of Islamic countries and the parliamentarians offered their prayers.

In Lahore, large gatherings of Friday prayers were held at Data Darbar, Badshahi Mosque, Jamia Naeemia, Grand Jamia Mosque in Bahria Town, Shuhada Mosque and Jamia Ashrafia. Security was extended while dividing the mosques in three categories.

The 167 mosques included in A-category were declared as sensitive whereas 767 mosques were placed in B and C category. More than 4200 police officials were deployed for safekeeping the mosques whereas police patrolling was increased in the metropolis while installing checkpoints at important points.

Foolproof security arrangements were made and additional contingent of police were deployed outside mosques in Balochistan including Quetta. Strict safety measures were devised on all the entry and exit points of the province with additional police and Frontier Constabularly (FC) officials positioned outside mosques, imambargahs and madrassas.

A ban was imposed on pillion riding and weapons exhibition under section-144. Moreover, a rally was also arranged in accordance with Youm-ul-Quds for which security remained high alert at the relevant routes.

In Karachi, police was positioned outside the Jamia mosque. Sindh Home Minister issued orders to security agencies to remain high alert across the province. He also directed Inspector General (IG) Sindh, Additional IGs and Deputy Inspector General (DIGs) to plan effective security measures and ensure their implementation at Taraweeh and Iftar time.

Special provisions for Jumatul Wida were also finalized in the mosques. Ulema shed light on the importance of Jumatul Wida, Ramazan and Laila tul Qadr in their sermons and prayed for the stability and security of the country.

Special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of the country and unity and harmony amongst the Muslim Ummah. Prayers were also offered for the liberation of occupied lands of Kashmir and Palestine from the yoke of occupying forces. DNA