Christians begin Lent, Muslims observe first fast

Security tightened at churches, mosques; price magistrates given special powers

RAWALPINDI:

The Christian community began fasting on Wednesday, while the Muslim community is observing the first fast of Ramazan today.

After a long period, Christian and Muslim fasting has commenced simultaneously. Security at churches, mosques and imambargahs has been placed on the highest alert.

Cheap facilitation bazaars, cart markets and pushcart stalls have been set up for Sehri and Iftar shopping.

To control inflation, tehsildars, naib tehsildars, gardawars and senior patwaris have been granted temporary price magistrate powers for one month. Heads of several departments have also been appointed as temporary price magistrates, bringing the total number of price magistrates in Rawalpindi district to 100.

Cheap markets have been established at Committee Chowk, Haidri Chowk, Allama Iqbal Park, Chohar Chowk, Gulzar-e-Quaid, Chakri and Dhoke Hassu. Pushcart markets have been set up in all union councils of the city, with 10 to 20 carts at each location.

Price magistrates have been authorised to conduct summary hearings, impose fines, seal shops for 72 hours and send shopkeepers to jail for 72 hours. The punishment will be non-appealable and must be completed. Any shopkeeper or hawker arrested between the 27th and 30th of Ramazan will spend Eidul Fitr in Adiala Jail.

Public Iftar dastarkhwans have also been arranged at 27 locations, including the three major hospitals, Committee Chowk, Liaquat Bagh, Pirwadhai, Raja Bazaar, Liaquat Road, Dhoke Khabba Road and Saddar.

Christian leaders Pastor Qaiser, Father Ilyas and Rashid Chauhan said that simultaneous fasting of Christians and Muslims would be a blessing for Pakistan. Prayers for the country's progress, prosperity and security will be offered in churches, mosques and imambargahs during Sehri and Iftar.

They expressed satisfaction over security arrangements in churches of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, stating that CCTV cameras, walk-through gates and security guards have been deployed, while police commandos and lady guards are also on duty.