PESHAWAR, Sept 20 Eidul Fitr was celebrated in parts of the NWFP and tribal areas on Sunday while people in other areas including Hazara and Malakand regions distanced themselves from the decision of the provincial government.

However, all of the Pakistan Army formations, stationed in the Frontier province, observed Eid in line with the NWFP government's decision.

Officers and jawans of the army used to celebrate all religious festivals including Eids with the announcement of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee, but this time, a late night call made to all field formations from the Corps Headquarters, made it possible for them to observe this Eid in line with the provincial government's decision what appears to be the first incident.

The NWFP government had upheld the announcement from Masjid Qasim Ali Khan and officially declared Eid on Sunday, which sparked controversy once again across the country.

Central Eid congregation of the army was held at Karnel Sher Khan Stadium, where Corps Commander Peshawar Lt-Gen Mohammad Masood Alam besides senior military officials offered Eid prayers.

“Decision to celebrate Eid with the NWFP government was made mainly to exhibit that the army is not seen apart from its people,” remarked a senior military official, who wished not to be named.Apart from Eid congregations, traditional special lunches, Bara Khana, were served in all army units stationed in the province as part of Eid celebrations.

At provincial level, the biggest Eid congregation was held at the Eidgah, where the faithful offered Eid prayers. Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti, Governor Owais Ahmad Ghani and NWFP Assembly Speaker Kiramatullah Khan offered Eid prayers at the Governor House along with other parliamentarians and officials.

People offered Eid prayers in majority of the mosques in Peshawar under tight security arrangements by the Peshawar police. Federal Minister for Railways Ghulam Ahmed Bilour offered prayers at Eidgah Charsadda Road.

The governor, after performing the prayers mixed with the general public and exchanged Eid greetings. Special prayers were also offered for security of the country, unity of the nation and prosperity and wellbeing of the people.

A large number of representative personalities from cross section of the society called on the governor and exchanged Eid greetings. Amongst them were the chief minister, provincial assembly speaker, provincial ministers, members of national and provincial assemblies.

“Eid is being observed at a time when we as a nation are moving forward with a sense of satisfaction after many years of difficulties mainly

under the shadows of terrorism,” the governor said, adding that success in the actions against militants had become possible after

offering tremendous sacrifices.

The chief minister said that the nation would render sacrifices for the security and survival of the country. History had again provided an opportunity to the people of the region to stand guard for the security and survival of the country. He stressed the nation to keep unity in their ranks.

He hailed the sacrifices of the security forces including the army, police and paramilitary forces.

Our Correspondent from Timergara adds People in both Lower and Upper Dir districts did not follow the provincial government's announcement and they would celebrate Eid on Monday.

People said that neither they had sighted moon nor the federal government had announced to observe the festival. Besides, District Nazim Ahmad Hassan Khan, DCO Ghulam Mohammad and other government officials also observed fast.

However, District Police Officer Mumtaz Zarin arranged an official function to celebrate Eid at the police lines in Timergara, but interestingly most of the officials present on occasion were having fast.

“I offered Eid prayers at the police lines, however, I have my fast and will celebrate Eid tomorrow,” an SHO requesting anonymity told Dawn.

Shad Mohammad, a social activist, said that 99 per cent people in the district had fast. Markets remained opened in the district on Sunday and people were seen busy in Eid shopping.

According to our correspondents, people in Kohat, Parachinar, Swat, Chitral, Malakand Agency, Buner, D.I. Khan and Hazara region did not celebrate Eid on Sunday.