Eidul Fitr celebrated across Pakistan with traditional fervour

Eidul Fitr celebrated across Pakistan on Wednesday with traditional religious zeal and fervor. Congregational prayers were held across the country to mark the end of the holy month of Ramazan. Foolproof security measures were taken to avert any eventuality. Inspite of that ten people were killed and 17 injured in Jalalpur pirawala town in exchange of firing between two rival groups soon after eid prayers.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with troops deployed along the Line of Control (LoC) and offered the day’s congregational prayers with those deployed on the frontline, said a statement by the military media wing.The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) added that special prayers were made for the peace and prosperity of the nation.

“Remember, for us, the defenders of Pakistan, our first family is the Pakistani nation, then the ones back home,” said the army chief as quoted by ISPR.

General Bajwa, while referring to the voluntary decision by the armed forces to cut defence spending, said the armed forces have taken the decision to “forego even the routine increase in annual defence budget”.

He added that the initiative is “not a favour to the nation as we are one, through thick and thin”.

The army chief said the cuts will have no impact on the response potential to all types of threats and the quality of life afforded to the soldiers.

“The no pay raise decision is also only for the officers and not for the soldiers. We shall manage the shortfall during the FY by tightening our belt in areas where it doesn’t effect the two aforesaid aspects.”

Earlier today, Prime Minister Imran Khan appreciated the “unprecedented” and “voluntary initiative” of the Pakistan armed forces to reduce defence expenditure for the next fiscal year due to the country’s financial situation.

President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday felicitated the nation and Muslims across the globe in separate messages.

President Alvi urged Pakistanis to adopt “fraternity and compassion in their ranks and work for the progress and prosperity of the country by rising above personal, regional and sectarian biases.”

“The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr carries the essence of Islamic values and traditions and also symbolizes the religious ethos,” he added.

PM Imran urged the countrymen to show compassion and share with deserving people. “The government has embarked upon the journey to put the country on the track of progress and prosperity,” he wrote. “The State of Madinah had become a model in human history that had won laurels for contributing to human welfare.”The armed forces also wished Pakistanis on the occasion.

The military wished a happy Eid to fellow Pakistanis.
“Eid Mubarak with prayers for peace, progress, and prosperity of Pakistan,” wrote Director-General Major-General Asif Ghafoor.