January 10, 2006	Tuesday	Zilhaj 9, 1426

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 9: The capital administration has lifted ban on holding of Eid prayers in open places, Deputy Commissioner Chaudhry Mohammad Ali told Dawn on Monday.

He said the decision to lift the ban, which remained in force for two years, was jointly made by the local ulema, police and officials of the capital administration in a special meeting.

Mr Ali agreed that people had offered Eid prayers in the open last year without obtaining formal approval from the local administration.

He said the ulema had expressed their reservations about the ban on holding of Eid prayers in the open. They said in case of rain, Eid prayers would be held under the roof or inside the mosques.

The official said in view of the demand of the ulema, the capital administration issued orders regarding lifting of the ban allowing holding of Eid prayers in open places.

Eid prayers in open places had been banned in the backdrop of increasing incidents of terrorism two years ago.

During the meeting with the ulema of various sects, shortage of police force at worship places was also discussed, the deputy commissioner said.

He hoped that the decision regarding removal of ban would facilitate the people.

According to security authorities, there were about 300 places where Eid prayers were held in the urban and rural areas of Islamabad.

HOLIDAYS CANCELLED: The capital administration had cancelled holidays of police and officials of the local administration to maintain peace and security during Eid days, the magistrate said.

FAISAL MOSQUE: The deputy commissioner said special security arrangements had been made for worshippers in Faisal Mosque where the biggest Eid congregation was held.

He said about 10 walk-through-gates had been installed at entry points of the mosque to prevent entry of suspects.

Security beefed up for Eid: The capital administration has tightened security in Islamabad on the occasion of Eidul Azha on Wednesday.

Deputy Commissioner Chaudhry Mohammad Ali said implementation of the security plan had started, and assistant commissioners, magistrates and other police officials assigned duties.

He said security arrangements had also been beefed up around mosques, Imambargahs, public points and other sensitive places.