Speaking to The Express Tribune, a visitor said that although their hearts are bleeding as they see miseries of the people of Indian-held Kashmir, they are visiting public parks and play areas to celebrate the festivities. “We are trying to make the last week of summer vacations memorable for our children.”
A citizen named Muhammad Taha – who was playing with his children in Jilani Park – said he failed to find a butcher on the first day of Eidul Azha but found an amateur on the second day to fulfill his religious obligation. “After getting our goats slaughtered and distributing its meat among family, friends, neighbours and needy, we visited the park to enjoy the last days of summer vacations.” He added that after visiting the park, his family will dine out and witness Independence Day fireworks at Minar-e-Pakistan at midnight.
After enjoying delicious meat cuisine at his home, a young citizen named Rehan Ali – who wore a badge of Pakistani flag on his shirt – said that he was going to a nearby market to buy more bunting. He added that he will buy accessories including badges, wrist bands, caps, bugles and lights to celebrate Independence Day. “The coincidence of Eid, Independence Day and summer vacations has tripled our joy.”
Besides public parks and play areas, crowds can also be seen at shopping malls and cinemas. A large number of people are also visiting food courts of popular malls and restaurants to share joys of Eid with their families and friends. Families also spent quality time while watching the latest television shows and flicks.
Earlier on Monday, the faithful celebrated Eidul Azha with great religious and traditional zeal, offering prayers for peace and prosperity in Pakistan. Special prayers were also offered for salvation of the people of Indian-held Kashmir from Indian suppression and atrocities.
During Eidul Azha sermons, religious sermons highlighted the significance of Islamic traditions. It also shed light over miseries of the people of Indian-held Kashmir – especially after revocation of Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution – and prayed for greater unity among Muslims. Prayers were also made for the early liberation of occupied Muslim territories, including Kashmir and Palestine.
Appeals were also made during the sermons to the international community to play their due role to stop human rights violations being committed by Indian forces in the disputed region. The preachers demanded the international community to raise their voice and ensure that Kashmiris get their right to freedom at the earliest.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 14th, 2019.
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