PM asks nation to pray for rain

Shehbaz urges Ulema to organise Salat-e-Istisqa

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday appealed to the nation to offer Salat al-Istisqa for rain that would help improve the environment in various parts of the country, which were currently in the grip of hazardous smog.

In a statement, the prime minister urged religious scholars and leaders to play their role in organising the Salat al-Istisqa. He said that Salat al-Istisqa gatherings should be organised in all mosques. "There is an urgent need for rain in the current situation," he said.

"The rain would improve the environment and greatly help get rid of diseases," he said, according to the official statement. He added that the special prayers should be offered to Allah so that "human life can be relieved of this problem".

Punjab is currently in the grip of smog with its capital, Lahore, being the most polluted city in the world. Data indicates that Lahore's air quality index (AQI) is nearly 74 times above the World Health Organisation's recommended limit, reaching a hazardous level of 588 on average. PMD had forecast light rainfall from November 14 to 16, in most districts of Punjab that could offer the much-needed reprieve to the residents suffering from severe smog.

According to the forecast, rain was expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Jehlum, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, Mianwali, Khushab, and Sargodha and other areas. Additionally, on November 15, areas like Bhakkar, Layyah, and Dera Ghazi Khan are anticipated to witness rain.

In Lahore on Thursday, the Punjab Auqaf Department organised special prayers at major religious centres and mosques across the province, invoking collective repentance, seeking forgiveness, and praying for rain as part of a series of "Salat al-Istisqa" prayers.

"May the Almighty grant health to our children, elders, and women from respiratory, throat, and other illnesses," Auqaf Secretary Dr Tahir Raza Bukhari, while offering the prayers. (WITH INPUTS FROM APP)