Subdued Eid Al Fitr amid twin tragedies
islamabad — Eid Al Fitr is being observed across Pakistan on Sunday without traditional festivity as the nation struggles to come to terms with a deadly plane crash that killed 97 people and to curb the spread Covid-19 pandemic.
President Arif Alvi, in his message, said that he was dedicating this Eid to “martyrs of PIA (crash), labourers who have been trying to earn amid the coronavirus situation, doctors, nurses, corona patients...”, reports Dawn News.
In a bid to encourage people to stay indoors, the president said that he will offer Eid prayers at home. He urged people to “observe social distancing, wear masks and wash their hands so that they can keep themselves, their families and friends safe” from Covid-19.
In order to “facilitate Eid prayers at home”, Pakistan Television will telecast prayers held in Islamabad’s Faisal Mosque, Information Minister Shibli Faraz said.
On Saturday night, Prime Minister Imran had urged the nation to forgo traditional festivity in view of the lives lost in Friday’s plane crash in Karachi and the hundreds of fatalities caused by the coronavirus, Dawn News reported.
Taking to Twitter, the premier said he wants the citizens to “observe this Eid in a different manner from the usual celebratory style”.
“First, let us think of and pray for all those families who have been deprived of their loved ones by the plane crash tragedy and all those who have lost their lives to Covid-19,” he wrote.
In another tweet, he emphasised that people must remember to observe the standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place to prevent further spread of the virus.
US envoy extends greetind
US Ambassador to Pakistan Paul Jones on Sunday extended Eid greetings to the people of Pakistan while announcing a new US contribution of $6 million to strengthen Pakistan’s response against Covid-19.
In a video message released by the US Mission, Ambassador Jones wished “Eid Mubarak”
to all Pakistanis celebrating the holiday.
“I would like to congratulate Pakistanis on the completion of Ramadan — on behalf of all of us at the US Mission to Pakistan. We admire those who fasted and helped others during Ramadan, while looking forward to the joyous celebration of Eid,” said the ambassador.
He also announced a new American contribution of $6 million to strengthen Pakistan’s response by expanding training for healthcare workers who take care of patients in hospitals with severe cases of coronavirus; preventing the spread of coronavirus in healthcare facilities; and providing a fourth mobile lab to test and treat Pakistanis living in virus hotspots. —
Dedicating this Eid to martyrs of PIA (crash), labourers who have been trying to earn amid the coronavirus situation, doctors, nurses, corona patients... Arif Alvi
President
The disease is with us and social distancing must be strictly observed throughout the Eid holidays, including during Eid prayers. May Allah bless our nation Imran Khan
Prime Minister