Congregation: Religious leaders pray for peace, prosperity
A three-day ijtema held by Tablighi Jamaat in Barikot was attended by over 300,000 people.
SWAT:
The biggest public gathering since the defeat of militants in Swat came to an end on Friday amid prayers for peace and prosperity for the country.
A three-day ijtema held by Tablighi Jamaat in Barikot was attended by over 300,000 people despite heavy rainfall and cold weather.
In addition to a huge contingent of police, as many as 3,000 volunteers were present to maintain foolproof security on the occasion.
A number of religious leaders addressed the participants, while around 4,000 teams including several women’s delegations were formed to spread the message of Islam across the country.
“This is the first time that such a large number of people have assembled at one place after the restoration of peace. The only difference is that we are true followers of Islam who want to promote peace and goodwill,” said Ziaullah, a participant from Shangla district.
“This congregation is proof of religious harmony and sends a clear message to the world that we are peace-loving people,” said Sajjad Ahmad, another participant.
Hundreds of stalls were set up for participants, where goods were available at discounted prices.
Meanwhile, all markets remained closed across Swat district on Friday, as traders and shopkeepers thronged the Ijtema to attend the concluding prayers.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 28th, 2012.
The biggest public gathering since the defeat of militants in Swat came to an end on Friday amid prayers for peace and prosperity for the country.
A three-day ijtema held by Tablighi Jamaat in Barikot was attended by over 300,000 people despite heavy rainfall and cold weather.
In addition to a huge contingent of police, as many as 3,000 volunteers were present to maintain foolproof security on the occasion.
A number of religious leaders addressed the participants, while around 4,000 teams including several women’s delegations were formed to spread the message of Islam across the country.
“This is the first time that such a large number of people have assembled at one place after the restoration of peace. The only difference is that we are true followers of Islam who want to promote peace and goodwill,” said Ziaullah, a participant from Shangla district.
“This congregation is proof of religious harmony and sends a clear message to the world that we are peace-loving people,” said Sajjad Ahmad, another participant.
Hundreds of stalls were set up for participants, where goods were available at discounted prices.
Meanwhile, all markets remained closed across Swat district on Friday, as traders and shopkeepers thronged the Ijtema to attend the concluding prayers.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 28th, 2012.