Islamabad (Web Desk): Eid-ul-Fitr is being observed across the country today (Sunday) with religious zeal and fervour and in sombre mood due to loss of precious lives in Friday's Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane crash in Karachi and overall context of Corona pandemic engulfing the world.
Eid-ul-Fitr 2020 is being celebrated across the country on same day, which will boost national unity and harmony in the testing times.
Eid congregations were held at open places, mosques and Eidgahs in all major cities and towns while following strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) of social distancing and other precautionary measures, the Radio Pakistan reported.
On the occasion, Ulema from different schools of thought delivered special sermons to highlight the significance of the day.
They called upon the faithful to promote the lofty principles of Islam for peace, tolerance, forbearance, co-existence and harmony in the light of the Holy Qur’aan and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
The Ulema stressed for unity of Muslim Ummah and prayed for the prosperity and well being of the country. On this occasion, special prayers were also offered for the progress and prosperity of the country, unity of the ‘Ummah’, solution of their problems and liberation of Muslim territories.
Security has been beefed up in different parts of the country including the federal capital to avoid any untoward incident on the auspicious occasion.
Earlier on Saturday night, Prime Minister Imran Khan urged the nation to celebrate the Eid in a different manner this year from the usual celebratory style, thinking of and prying for all those, who had been deprived of their loved ones in the plane crash and due to the coronavirus, and observe SOPs in place for COVID-19.
In a series of tweets, the premier said, “I want our nation to observe this Eid in a different manner from the usual celebratory style. First, let us think of & pray for all those families who have been deprived of their loved ones by the plane crash tragedy & all those who have lost their lives to COVID19”.
“Second, everyone must remember to observe the SOPs in place for COVID19. The disease is with us & social distancing must be strictly observed throughout the Eid holidays, including during Eid prayers. May Allah bless our nation,” Khan wrote.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Office reminded the public to celebrate Eid while following precautions.
"For the well-being of your loved ones, follow the SOPs provided by the govt. Avoid crowded places, observe social distancing, exchange Eid greetings from a distance and be there for the underprivileged affected by #COVID19 lockdown," it said in a tweet.
On Friday, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) passenger plane with an estimated 99 people on board had crashed in Karachi's Model Colony near Jinnah International Airport. The Sindh Health Ministry on Saturday confirmed that 97 people died while two survived the crash.
Eid-ul-Fitr 2020 comes as Pakistan has so far recorded more than 53,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19, which has killed at least 1,123 people since the first case was reported on February 26.
