Modest Eid celebrations in Pakistan amidst flood devastation

MUZAFFARGARH - Celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr were kept low-key in Pakistan in view of the devastation caused by the worst-ever floods in the country’s history, affecting some 21 million people and leaving ten million victims shelter-less across the nation.

Eid, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramazan, is the most important festival in the Islamic calendar, but was celebrated modestly, as the fallout from devastating floods continues.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, while greeting Muslims all over the world in his Eid message to the nation, pointed out, “We cannot celebrate the day with traditional fanfare and festivities when millions of our countrymen have been rendered shelter-less as villages, towns and cities have been destroyed by the floods.”

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who would celebrate the festival with flood-affected people in different camps all over the country, said in his message, “This year’s Eid festival is being celebrated on such a moment of history, when a large part of country is under the devastation caused by floods…. Millions of fellow countrymen are homeless and facing severe difficulties.” he country had come together with generosity to lessen the hardship faced by the flood victims, he said, adding, “No doubt, brave nations face the challenges with courage and mettle.”

The floods have deluged vast areas of Pakistan and killed over 1700 people the death toll is likely to rise “significantly” when the missing persons are accounted for.

According to provincial authorities of Sindh, advancing floodwaters continue to threaten parts of the province, with 19 of its 23 districts inundated and 2.8 million people displaced. (ANI)