Prayers were held at Masjid Qasim Ali, Darwesh Masjid and several other places. PHOTOS: MUHAMMAD IQBAL/EXPRESS
PESHAWAR/ LAKKI MARWAT:
Those who decided to toe the national line will celebrate Eidul Azha on Friday (today). However, not budging an inch from the tradition of remaining divided on festivals, residents of several districts in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa observed Eid on Thursday. They were joined in the early celebrations by people of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and the Afghan refugees – some following Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai, others Saudi Arabia.
Eid was celebrated in Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, Bannu, Hangu, Lakki Marwat, Peshawar, Nowshera, Kohat and Karak.
Lakki Marwat has only one central mosque where Eid prayers were offered. Those who wish to celebrate Eid with the government face another challenge in shape of those who are against organising another Eid the very next day.
Read: Asking for too much? To the moon and back
Symbol of unity?
On Thursday, Eid congregations were held at Masjid Qasim Ali Khan, Darwesh Masjid, Sunehri Masjid, Speen Masjid, Zarghooni Masjid and several others in different areas of the city.
Like every year, locals expressed concern over the confusion and hoped to live to see the day when the entire country celebrates Eid on the same day. They lambasted the government for not paying heed to the issue.
Read: One region, separate days : Eid should be celebrated with Saudi Arabia: Ghulam Bilour
Sixty-year-old Aftab Alam, a resident of Namak Mandi, is one such individual who has been witnessing this rumpus for decades. “Religious scholars should join hands and come up with a solution themselves if the government cannot do anything,” he said.
Another local, Muhammad Atif, said two Eidul Azhas have become an annual affair now. “The government should enforce a law that states whether we should follow Saudi Arabia or our own moon sightings.”
There were also those who criticised the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee for politicising the issue. “Members of the committee should meet Popalzai to resolve the issue once and for all,” said Muhammad Ibrahim, a resident of Gulbahar.
Jumping the line
Keeping the traditional antics of butchers in mind, there were those who slaughtered animals on Thursday but will offer Eid prayers today. “Why not have the best of both worlds?” said Hassan Garhi resident, Bawar Khan.
Read: Country divided over dual Eids
Although half of the city wasn’t celebrating Eid, the streets of Peshawar were deserted since the run-up to the festival is an event in itself. Marketplaces were padlocked and many had already left for their native villages to celebrate Eid with their loved ones. Public transport was absent in most areas and only Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar (WSSP) vehicles could be seen zipping around the city.
Of innards
Talking to The Express Tribune, WSSP Operations General Manager Nasir Ghafoor said the company is expecting to collect animal remains weighing 7,000 to 9,000 tonnes over the next three days.
He said lime is applied to the carcasses before they are dumped. “A ditch has been dug up outside the city for the purpose. Once the operation is complete, we will cover it appropriately.” Ghafoor said fumigation is also being carried out and will continue until Saturday.
“WSSP workers will try their best to collect carcasses even from the inaccessible areas using pushcarts.” WSSP CEO Muhammad Naeem Khan visited Hayatabad, University Road, Rahatabad, Danishabad and Charsadda Road to oversee cleanliness arrangements.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 25th, 2015.
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