Pakistan on Sunday celebrated Eidul Adha with religious zeal and fervour amidst a Covid-19 resurgence in the country, with the government tightening coronavirus-induced restrictions to keep the outbreak in check.

The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee on June 30 announced that Eidul Adha would be celebrated on July 10 (today) as the Zilhaj moon could not be sighted.

Eid congregations were held at open areas in mosques and Eidgahs in all cities and villages, according to Radio Pakistan. The federal and provincial governments chalked out elaborate security arrangements to ward off untoward incidents.

Special prayers were also offered for the progress of the country and the welfare of the global Muslim community.

President Arif Alvi

President Arif Alvi offered prayer at Karachi’s Tooba Mosque, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported. The president prayed for the prosperity of the country.

In his Eid message, President Alvi felicitated the nation and the Islamic world on the auspicious occasion.

“I pray to Allah Almighty to accept the Ibadah, Hajj and sacrifices of the Pakistani nation and Muslim Ummah. Amen!” he said in his message.

The spirit of sacrifice granted the ability to human beings to keep following the righteous path despite the most trying circumstances, he said, adding: “As our dear country faces economic challenges, there is a dire need to effectively utilise this spirit of sacrifice.”

PM Shehbaz Sharif

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered Eid prayers at his family residence in Lahore’s Jati Umra, APP said. The prime minister along with Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz, Capt (retd) Muhammad Safdar and other people prayed for the prosperity of the country and the unity of the Muslim community across the globe.

Earlier in his Eid message, he felicitated the nation and called upon the people to pay special attention to the needy and poor to truly realise the spirit of sacrifice.

He also appealed to the general public to strictly follow the precautionary measures against the coronavirus pandemic while celebrating Eid with their dear ones.

“We should share the happiness of Eid with the needy and deprived around us, who are affected by the wave of international inflation,” he said, “we should also not forget those affected by the recent floods and rains and fully help them in this hour of need. It is our duty to support them and share their grief. The young generation can learn a lot from the meaning of sacrifice during Eid.”

The premier directed the departments concerned to carry out their responsibilities to dispose of animal waste and ensure cleanliness.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari offered Eid prayers at Garhi Khuda Bux. He was joined by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and former chief minister Qaim Ali Shah. FM Bilawal arrived in Naudero (Larkana) on Saturday to celebrate the festival.

“This festival of happiness unites the Muslim Ummah from Africa to the subcontinent,” he said in his message issued by the PPP. “Eidul Adha reminds us that determination and sacrifice for the greater good pave the way for success.”

He was of the view that no nation and society can achieve moral supremacy without the spirit of sacrifice. “It is crucial for us to put our ego, priorities, personal and group interests behind us.”

Bilawal stressed the need for working together for the prosperity of the nation in order to save the country from problems.

“During this festive time, we must remember our Kashmiri brothers and sisters who are facing the heights of Indian oppression in their fight for freedom.”

Former president Asif Ali Zardari offered Eid prayers at the Zardari House Nawabshah. He was joined by PPP leaders.

Imran Khan

Former prime minister Imran Khan offered Eid prayers at his residence in Bani Gala.

“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,” he said in a message on social media.

Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo, Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar and Balochistan Chief Secretary Abdul Aziz Uqaili offered Eid prayers at Governor House in Quetta, Radio Pakistan reported.