PESHAWAR: Eidul Fitr was celebrated peacefully on Monday in the provincial metropolis, with Eid prayers held at various locations amid tight security to ensure a safe and tranquil celebration.

Major Eid congregations were held at different worship places, including Charsadda Road Eidgah, Masjid Mahabat Khan (Bazaar Masgaran), Ashrafia Mosque (Faqirabad), Bagh Naran Park, Sher Khan Market Park, Hayatabad Phase 7, Qasim Ali Khan Mosque (Qissa Khwani), Wazir Bagh Ground and Sonehri Masjid on Sher Shah Suri Road in Saddar.

In order to ensure protection to lives and properties of the people, strict security measures were taken by deploying heavy contingents of law enforcers at different places. The policemen continued checking people to avert any untoward incident.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur offered Eid prayers in his native Dera Ismail Khan. On this occasion, special prayers were offered for the country’s progress and prosperity, national unity, unity of the Muslim Ummah and elevation of the ranks of the martyrs.

CM, governor, other leaders offer Eid prayers in their native towns

According to a statement, after offering the prayers, the chief minister met the worshippers and received Eid greetings from them.

Similarly, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also offered Eidul Fitr prayers at his native village and extended his heartfelt greetings to the people.

“The joyous festival of Eid is a practical expression of unity, brotherhood and sisterhood of the Muslim community,” Mr Kundi said.

He said that in the current situation, unity and brotherhood would have to be demonstrated to make the country and the province a cradle of peace.

“Only through unity can we share other small and big joys and love in the society like the big festival of Eidul Fitr,” he said and paid tribute to the martyrs of the security forces and police.

“We salute the families of the martyrs. Our happiness is due to the sacrifices of the martyrs. On the joyous festival of Eidul Fitr, keep the weaker sections of the society in your love. May Allah accept our prayers during the holy month of Ramazan and grant us the fruits of our prayers,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, the leaders of political parties, including Awami National Party central president Senator Aimal Wali Khan, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz provincial president and federal minister Amir Muqam, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf provincial president Junaid Akbar Khan, Pakistan Peoples Party provincial president Syed Mohammad Ali Shah Bacha and Qaumi Watan Party central chairman Aftab Ahmed Sherpao offered Eid prayers at their native villages in Charsadda, Shangla, Abdalkhel, Dera Ismail Khan, Thana, Skhakot and Sherpao Charsadda, respectively.

People, particularly the youngsters hailing from Peshawar’s localities and adjoining districts, thronged different parks to enjoy themselves. The influx of people in such a huge number also caused traffic congestion in some areas. Most of the recreational places were occupied by male visitors, while women had very limited chances to visit the parks. In Hayatabad, Ghani Bagh was the only spot where families arrived and enjoyed themselves.

Similarly, the citizens belonging to every walk of life, including teenagers, were seen enjoying themselves at the Sardaryab picnic spot on the Charsadda Road, Tatara Park, Bagh-i-Naran and Shalman parks, Shahi Bagh, Charsadda Road, and Khalid Bin Walid Park, Saddar. The participants enjoyed swings and other facilities of enjoyment. However, most of them complained of a sudden hike in entry fee to different sports.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2025