Sheep are seen peeping outside through the window of a van as they are transported from a livestock market, ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha in Pakistan, September 1, 2017. REUTERS/Fayaz Aziz

 

KARACHI: Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated all around Pakistan with due religious fervour on Saturday, with prayers for the special occasion to be offered at hundreds of mosques, Imambargahs, and other places in the metropolis.

Later, Muslims observing the Eid will perform the sacred ritual of slaughtering sacrificial animals in commemoration of Hazrat Ibrahim's (AS) sacrifice.

People around the country continued to throng livestock markets ? many of which had popped up on the outskirts of various major cities ? to purchase their sacrificial animals.

On the other hand, various schools and educational institutes are set to hold events to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha in grounds and college premises. Some others will also be opening the property to host Eid prayers on the first day.

Message from PM's spokesperson

Dr. Musadik Malik ? the spokesperson to the Prime Minister ? on Friday extended Hajj and Eid felicitation to the masses on behalf of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

During a press conference at the Lahore Press Club, Malik said, "Eid-ul-Azha gives a message of sacrifice and amity, and the people must remember the poor in the joys of Eid."

The spokesperson said the PM had shown concern over Karachi's situation, given the weather conditions, and expressed deep grief over the loss of precious human lives. He noted that 16 buildings collapsed in the city, while 15 people lost their lives due to electrocution, collapsing of roofs, and drowning incidents.

The prime minister, according to Malik, has directed all the federal departments to extend full support to the provincial and local governments in Karachi.

He said some 267 people had been rescued from different rain-hit areas in Karachi so far.

Water and waste management

The Solid Waste Management Company has alerted its staff to take away offal and later bury it in open fields outside of and far from residential places.

In addition, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has taken special measures for continuous water supply to the citizens on Eid days. An official told APP that a special cell has been established to deal with emergency complaints about any possible suspension of water supply.

The official explained that the staff's vacation has been cancelled in order to ensure continuous water supply.

Traffic police, on the other hand, has chalked out a plan for the smooth flow of traffic, especially on Eid night.

Extraordinary security

A Pakistani trader sits next to camels at an animal market ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Azha in Karachi on September 1, 2017. AFP/Asif Hassan

 

Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Suhail Anwar Siyal has directed police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure extraordinary security on the Eid-ul-Azha.

In a statement, Siyal asked the police to remain vigilant and on alert in order to make sure no unfortunate incident takes place on this festive day.

Siyal said it was imperative to keep a check on the banned outfits and not allow them to collect sacrificial hides. "Home Department has issued ?Code of Conduct ? for the collection of hides and imposed Section 144 to avoid any untoward incident.

"It is, therefore, the responsibility of the police to ensure implementation at all levels and violators be dealt with strictly according to law", he urged.

Additional IG Karachi in a report submitted to Home Minister stated that all arrangements have been finalised to ensure foolproof security at mosques, Imambargahs, and open places serving as the Eidgahs.

According to a report submitted to Home Minister, the police will be present at almost 800 hides collection camps and more than 220 places in Karachi where collective slaughtering of sacrificial animals will take place.

It was further mentioned that over 16,000 Karachi Police personnel would be on duty, whereas additional police force from SSU, SRP, and RRF will be available to enhance the security measures.