LAHORE, Jan 24: The city is set to pay homage to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) by hosting a number of events to celebrate Eid-i-Milad on Friday.

Shrines, mosques, government and private buildings have been spruced up across the provincial metropolis. The shrines of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh and Hazrat Mian Mir, Badshahi Masjid, Minto Park, Town Hall and Auqaf buildings have been tastefully decorated.

An uncountable number of people decorate their houses and arrange devotional activities. Young ones in many localities collect donations and many shops do a roaring business of buntings, flags and lighting systems.

The CDGL and police claim that they have made security arrangements. A spokesman said the participants in all processions would be provided security. The volunteers of civil defence and Social Welfare Department and scouts would assist the police on procession routes, he added.

Senior officials and MPAs visited several places from the Railway Station to Akbari Mandi to inspect major routes. The DCO expressed displeasure over slow pace of work on roads. He surrendered services of the Ravi Town’s TO (Infrastructure and Services) to his parent department. He said he had imposed section 144 to prevent one-wheeling, using motorcycles without silencers and unethical and immoral activities.

MESSAGES: Various political parties have expressed their love for the Prophet of Islam (Peace be upon him). PML-Q President Shujaat Hussain and Deputy Prime Minister Pervaiz Elahi in a message said the teachings of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) provided guidance not only to the Muslims but to the entire humanity.

The MQM’s Lahore chapter underscored the need to promote religious harmony and solidarity among people on the occasion.

Tehrik-i-Minhajul Quran chief Dr Tahirul Qadri said the day (12th of Rabiul Awal) gave a message of promoting love, peace, tolerance, respect and fairness. He said the TMQ’s Milad Conference would begin on Thursday evening and conclude on Friday morning.

The Sunni Ittehad Council leadership said it would take out rallies to mark the day and the leadership of the PPP, the PML-N and the PTI also shared their feelings.