ISLAMABAD: Jumatul Wida, the last Friday of the Islamic month of Ramazan, and the Al Quds Day were observed with religious zeal and fervour across Pakistan on Friday.
According to a private news channel, security was tightened across the country for the occasion. A large number of fasting faithful thronged the mosques and imambargahs to offer prayers and seek blessings of Allah Almighty. In Islamabad, the main congregation was held at the Faisal Mosque where envoys of Islamic nations and the parliamentarians offered their prayers.
In Lahore, large gatherings of Friday prayers were held at Data Darbar, Badshahi Mosque, Jamia Naeemia, Grand Jamia Mosque, Shuhada Mosque and Jamia Ashrafia. Security was extended while dividing the mosques in three categories. About 167 mosques of A-category were declared as sensitive whereas 767 mosques were placed in B and C category.
More than 4200 police officials were deployed for safekeeping the mosques whereas police patrolling was also increased in the metropolis while installing checkpoints at important points. Fool-proof security arrangements were made and additional contingent of police were deployed outside mosques in Balochistan. A ban was imposed on pillion riding and weapons exhibition under Section 144.
Strict safety measures were devised on all the entry and exit points of the province with additional policemen and FC officials positioned outside mosques, imambargahs and Islamic seminaries. Moreover, a rally was also arranged in accordance with Youm-ul-Quds for which security remained on high alert at the relevant routes. In Karachi, police was positioned outside the Jamia mosque.
Islamic scholars shed light on the importance of Jumatul Wida, Ramazan and Lailatul Qadr in their sermons and prayed for the stability and security of Pakistan. Special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of the country and unity and harmony amongst the Muslims. Prayers were also offered for the liberation of occupied lands of Jammu Kashmir and Palestine from the yoke of occupying forces.
