Eidul Fitr celebrated with religious fervour across KP

PESHAWAR: Eidul Fitr was celebrated peacefully with religious fervour across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid upgraded security.

In Peshawar, over 3,500 policemen were deployed to maintain peace during the festival. Congregational prayers were offered at several mosques and open spaces in the provincial capital and other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The biggest congregational prayer was offered at Mughal-era Eidgah in Faqirabad on the Charsdadda Road. Elaborate arrangements had been made for the faithful. Special prayers were offered for the integrity of the country and the unity of the nation. The Eidul Fitr festivities acquired an added importance this year as there was a unanimity on the advent of Ramazan and the festival was marked on the same day in KP along with other countrymen. This brought much relief to the people.

The people thronged the public parks and other recreational sports in Peshawar to enjoy the festivities. A great rush of families was seen at Chacha Younas Park in Hashtnagri as it is the only family park in the old parts of the city. The children enjoyed the swings installed there.

Arrangements were made at Shahi Bagh as well to provide recreation to the people of the provincial metropolis. The parks in posh Hayatabad witnessed a rush of visitors as well. The police had taken measures to ensure that the Eidul Fitr festival is observed peacefully.

Yet a few people were wounded in different incidents of festive firing on the occasion of Chand Raat- the night predicting Eidul Fitr- despite measures were taken by the cops all over the province.

Police had launched campaigns to create awareness among the public against the aerial firing. However, shots were fired in many parts of the KP, causing injuries to several people.

Police said a number of those violating the ban on celebratory fire was held and cases were registered against them in different districts. Security was on high alert on the holy festival all over KP in the wake of recent terror incidents in different districts.

Special measures were taken to ensure the security of the mosques and Eidgahs during the prayers. Security was also heightened at public places where more people turned up during the holy festival.

The security for senior politicians in different districts of KP was also increased on Eid due to the overall law and order situation in the last few weeks.

Patrolling by the rider squad and police cars was increased while surveillance of all entry and exit routes remained tightened during the Eid. More police personnel were deployed in all important markets and highways of the city.

Additional police personnel were deployed at all sensitive places and government buildings in the city.