MARDAN, Oct 15: A large number of people in the Mardan district observed Friday as the first fasting day of Ramazan. Ulema in the district remained silent on Thursday evening and did not entertain witnesses about moon sighting.

However, Mehmoodul Hassan, a religious leader, told Dawn that they announced the begining of Ramazan on Friday at 3am, following announcements on loud speakers from various areas. They asked their followers to start fasting.

People in the Dalassa Killey, Sangimarmar, Shankar, Manga, Salim Khan Garhi Kapoora, Sri Behlol, Jamal Garhi, Qasmi and other villages of the district started fasting. In the city it was partly observed.