RECORDER REPORT

PESHAWAR: Like other parts of the country, Jumatul-Wida (Last Friday of Ramaza-nul- Mubarak) was peacefully observed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fata with religious reverence and respect amid tight security.

A large number of followers visited mosques and offered prayers as the last Friday of the fasting month holds special significance to the Muslims and sought forgiveness and mercy.

In Peshawar, big congregations were witnessed in almost all major mosques including historic Masjid Mohabat Khan, Dervesh Masjid and Sonehri Masjid, where faithful offered special prayers for progress and prosperity of Pakistan, peace, and liberation of occupied territories of Muslims.

They also demanded the proactive role of Muslim World, OIC to resolve issue of Kashmir, and Palestine. The enraged protesters also torched flags of US, Isreal, and India.

Activists of Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Fiq Jafaria Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter stage a demonstration outside Peshawar Press Club. The rally was spearheaded by shia leader, Allama Abid Shakari and others.

The participants were holding placards and banners inscribed with slogans against US and Israel and calling upon the /Muslim world, OIC to play active role in settlement of core issue, and paid homage to martyred of Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and rest of the Muslim world.

They stressed the forging unity among Muslim Ummah to tackle with the growing challenges.

Similarly, Alm Ulema Mashaikh Council also held a protest outside the Sunheri Mosque Peshawar, which was led by eminent religious scholar, Maulana Mohammad Shoaib and other activists.

They were carrying placards and banners noted slogans in favour of Muslim world. They said the Muslim are being united to protect the sacred places around the world.

The speakers on the occasion, strongly deplored the the Israel aggression on innocent Palestinians in Gaza strip, saying that a large number of people, including children, women and aged ones, killed by Israeli troops, while around thousands were injured in the brutal strikes in Gaza strip, they added.

They expressed voice concern over silent role of Arab World on the crucial Palestine issue, and he said the rulers of Muslim countries are frightening and reluctant to take staunch stance against the killings of innocent people in Gaza strip.

Owing to negligence of Muslim World, the participants said a group of Jewish and anti-Muslim elements were dominated the Gaza Strip.

He also criticised the UN, Arab League and OIC for not defending right of Palestinians and Muslim rulers are not raising voice due to threat of the United States.

Later, in the day, a rally was also took place by activists of Shia community from Kochi Rasaldar to Qissa Khawani bazaar under banner of Tehreek-e-Azadi Quds. They were holding placards and banners inscribed with slogans in favour of martyred of Palestine, Iraq, Yemen, Syria. A strict security measures were taken place during the protest rally. Police placed concrete barricade and blocked the main entrance gate of Qissa Khawani on the occasion.

The Ulema and mashaikh delivered special sermons on the importance of Ramazan, Eid-ul- Fitr, and urged people to follow the path of Allah Almighty and the Holy Prophet to achieve success here and hereafter.

The khateebs, belonging to different schools of thought, highlighted the importance of fasting, and observance of rituals like Shab-i-Qadr, Aitekaf and Fitrana.

They urged people to pay Fitrana before of Eid prayer at Rs100 per individual and also requested people not to forget poor in their Eid joys.

Comprehensive security measures were taken around all the mosques in the provincial metropolis.

The police remained alert outside different mosques to avert any untoward incident on this important occasion.