ID-UL-AZHA — the festival of sacrifice — was cele­bra­ted throughout the country with fervour, gaiety and enthusiasm on Wednesday [March 22].

In Rawalpindi President Ayub Khan offered his prayers at the GHQ Grounds along with Central Ministers, heads of diplomatic missions from Muslim countries, members of the National Assembly and other notables.

On conclusion of the prayers, the President stood up and wished a Happy Id to the people attending the congregation. He prayed for the greater unity and prosperity of the nation so that Pakistan becomes a source of strength for the entire Muslim world. “May God enthuse us with the true spirit of Islam and keep us steadfast to achieve the ideals for which Pakistan was created,” the President said.

Gates of the President House remained open from 0900 to 1030 for the people coming in to say “Id Mubarak” to the President.

In Lahore, the Governor of West Pakistan, Mr Mohammad Musa, said his prayers at the Govern­ment House.

The Governor of East Pakistan, Mr Monem Khan, offered his Id prayers at the main congregation in Dacca held at the Outer Stadium where he also briefly addressed the congregation.

The main congregation for Id prayers in Karachi was held at the Polo Ground. Mr N.M. Uquaili, the Central Finance Minister, diplomats from the Muslim countries and the Commissioner of Karachi offered their prayers at the Polo Ground. Another congregation was held at the Nishtar Park which was packed with devotees. Maulana Ihtishamul Haq Thanvi led the prayers.

Id prayers were held in all the mosques and Idgahs. The devotees prayed for the liberation of Kashmir and Palestine.

They also reaffirmed their pledge to render supreme sacrifices for the cause of Islam and motherland.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2017