HARIPUR, Nov 25: Contrary to provincial government’s decision of celebrating Eidul Fitr on Tuesday the district Khatib of Haripur declined to lead Eid prayers and pledged to follow the decision of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal.

When approached, the district Khatib Haripur Maulana Abdul Wahid Qamar said that people of Haripur had so far observed 28 fasts and celebrating Eid on the 29th of Ramazan was a wrong and illogical decision.

Quoting a decision of some of the ulema of Abbottabad and Mansehra district wherein they had expressed their determination to follow the Central Ruet-i-Hilal committee’s decision in this regard, Maulana Qamar said since the majority of faithful observed the first of Ramazan on Oct 28 on the decision of Central Ruet-i-Hilal committee, they along with other people would celebrate Eid on Wednesday.

Answering a question the Maulana brushed aside the impression that he was under any pressure from the local administration.

However he said that if people gathered at central Eidgah for Eid prayer he, being district Khatib, would be bound to lead prayers.