PESHAWAR: Eid prayers were offered in Peshawar under strict measures put in place by the government to contain spread of Covid-19.

The main Eid congregation was held at Eidgah on the Charssada Road. Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and provincial minister Shaukat Yousufzai offered the prayer at the Governor’s House.

A disinfectant gate was installed at the entry point to the Eidgah.

Special prayers were offered for the well-being of the country, while the ulema in their sermons highlighted the significance and philosophy of Eidul Fitr.

Disinfectant spray was also carried out in most of the mosques located on the main roads before the Eid prayers. However, in slums the people did not bother to keep in mind the SOPs. The presence of people in mosques also remained thin.

Most political parties had already called off meetings with their workers on the eve of the auspicious occasion. Similarly, all public parks remained closed, and groups of youngsters attempting to enter the premises were stopped.

Parks in Hayatabad, particularly Ghani Bagh, Tata Park and Bagh-i-Naran used to be main places of recreation for the people on Eid, but this time the people were not allowed.

The officials of Peshawar Development Authority resorted to a mild baton charge against the people trying to open gats of the parks.

Sardaryab is another picnic spot where thousands of visitors flock on every Eid to enjoy boating, but it was also closed for public. Cha Cha Younus Park and Shahi Bagh also remain closed to public.

In past, people from Peshawar and other districts used to visit tourist spots in Swat, Kalam, Bahrain, Madyan, Fizagat, Kumrat, Lowari and Bin Shahi to enjoy Eid holidays, but the district administrations had banned entry of non-locals to the areas keeping in view the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the ban, many motorists attempted to reach the spots which created traffic issues on the main roads.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2020