In the federal capital, 239 mosques and Eidgahs would be guarded by 239 private security guards and 272 police personnel. Earlier, the Eid holidays of police personnel posted in the twin cities had been cancelled on the directives of the interior ministry.
The sources said the twin cities’ administrations were keeping a close liaison with the armed forces, which, too, would remain standby on this occasion.
The administrations have further directed the special branch in both the cities to monitor the sermons delivered by the clerics on the occasion.
Besides places of worship, the other areas of focus for the security agencies include recreational spots, public places and hides-collection camps set up by various charity organizations, police officials said.
Eidul Azha is being celebrated in the twin cities as in other parts of the country on Wednesday with religious zeal and fervour. Special prayers will be offered in mosques for solidarity, stability, security and integrity of the country.
Ulema and religious scholars, in their sermons, will highlight the significance of the day and supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Ibrahim and his beloved son, Hazrat Ismail, who obeyed Allah Almighty’s command for the glory of Islam. The faithful will also renew their pledge to transform Pakistan into a true Islamic welfare state.
The biggest Eid congregation in the capital will be held at the Faisal Mosque, where top government functionaries, ambassadors of Islamic countries and other senior government officials will offer prayers.
In Rawalpindi city, the biggest Eid congregation will be held at Liaquat] Bagh, where thousands of people will gather for Eid prayers. Other main places where Eid prayers will be offered include Eidgah Asghar Mall; Jamia Masjid, Bani; Madani Masjid, Satellite Town; Faizul Islam Complex, Faizababd; Jamia Masjid, Raja Bazar; Jamia Masjid, Afandi Colony; Zia Masjid, Muslim Town; Jamia Farooqia, Kurri Road.
In the cantonment, the biggest Eid congregation will be held at the Army Cricket Stadium, where top civil and military officials will offer prayers. Eid prayers will also be offered at Eidgah, Gawalmandi; Eidgah, Chuhr Harpal Bahadur Khan Road; Children Park, Gawalmandi; Shah Baloth Park; Jamia Islamia, Kashmir Road; Jamia Masjid, Chaklala-3; Jamia Masjid, Chaklala-1; Jamia Masjid, Westridge-1; Old Supreme Court Building, Peshawar Road; Railways Cricket Stadium. Apart from this, Eid prayers will be offered at a number of small mosques in different places and villages in the outskirts of the cantonment.
After the Eid prayers, sacrificing of animals will start, which keeps the faithful engaged for better part of the day as meat is distributed among the poor, relatives, friends and neighbours.
Meanwhile, in his message on the occasion, the Rawalpindi District Nazim, Raja Tariq Kiani, highlighted the significance of Eidul Azha and called for delving further into the underlying spirit of offering sacrifice than merely observing the ritual.
Talking about the cleanliness measures taken by the administration, he said a central control room had been set up at the Tehsil Municipal Administration offices to supervise removal of offal and entrails of animals, and maintain cleanliness in the city.
The leaves of the required sanitation staff have been cancelled and they will not be allowed to take leave even under “exceptional circumstances”.
The city has been divided into four sectors, each having its own control centre and staff. These control rooms can be accessed at telephone numbers 5770565, 5553587, 5770886.
People have been advised to keep the animal remains near their houses for collection by the sanitation staff. They have also been asked not to throw the entrails etc., of animals in drains, ravines and grounds.
Mr Kiani said he would start visiting different parts of the city from Thursday to ensure that offal had been removed. He reminded the citizens of their responsibility in keeping the city clean.
According to official sources, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board has also made cleanliness arrangements on the Eid days, cancelling holidays of the entire sanitation staff.
A complaint cell has been set up, which will be functional 24 hours during the three days. According to a special sanitation plan, the cantonment areas have been divided into 10 parts/wards, each having its own sanitation team, to ensure cleanliness in their respective areas. Each team, comprising three supervisors and 20 to 60 sanitary workers depending on the area and population, will be headed by a sanitary inspector.
The sanitation staff will remove offal etc., of the animals at the same time they are slaughtered. The staff will be available on phone numbers 9270151 and 9270161. Any resident having any problem with regard to sanitation, water or electricity can contact the cantonment staff on these numbers for help.
These arrangements are for the residents of both the cantonments — Rawalpindi and Chaklala.
However, the residents of different localities have criticized the cantonment authorities for their failure to cleanse the choked drains before Eid. They said only the VIP routes and areas had been cleaned and no heed was paid to the remaining areas and roads.