ISLAMABAD: The people of Pakistan are celebrating Eid Al-Fitr today on Tuesday with traditional zeal and fervor and without the COVID-19 restrictions for the first time in two years.
The three-day Eid Al-Fitr festival starts on the first day of the month of Shawwal in the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Major congregations were held at Eidgahs, mosques and open spaces in all cities, towns and villages across the South Asian country, where religious scholars highlighted the significance and philosophy of the Islamic festival.
Muslim devotee takes a selfie with his family members after offering a special prayers on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at the Eidgah Sharif shrine in Rawalpindi on May 3, 2022. (AFP)
On the occasion, special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of the country and welfare of the Muslim Ummah.
A young girl (C) offers a special prayers along with Muslim worshipers on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at the Eidgah Sharif shrine in Rawalpindi on May 3, 2022. (AFP)
In the federal capital, the main congregation was held at the Faisal Mosque where President Arif Alvi, envoys of Muslim countries and other high-ups offered Eid prayers.
“I want to congratulate everyone on the happy occasion of Eid,” President Alvi said in his message on Twitter. “I keep praying for the prosperity and glory of Pakistan.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz offered Eid prayers in their hometown of Jati Umrah near Lahore.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (2nd from front row) performs Eid prayers in Jati Umrah, Lahore, (Pakistan PM office)
“I congratulate you, your families and the entire nation on Eid,” PM Sharif said in his address with people after offering the Eid prayers.
“We pray to Allah that this Eid may bring progress and prosperity for us and rid Pakistan of difficulties.”
Muslim devotees offer special prayers on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at the Eidgah Sharif shrine in Rawalpindi on May 3, 2022. (AFP)
This is the first time that Pakistanis offered Eid prayers without COVID-19 safety precautions as the number of coronavirus infections has significantly declined in Pakistan over the past couple of months.
The South Asian reported 100 virus infections and 91 recoveries in the last 24 hours, according to official statistics.
