With consumer prices heading north and affordability falling, millions of Pakistanis are celebrating Eid-ul-Azha, aka ‘Bakra Eid’, with gusto, but not without feeling the pinch amid prayers for economic change – which the country desperately needs. Required.
The South Asian country is facing one of its worst crises as the government struggles to revive a stalled International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, which has resulted in skyrocketing inflation and a record depreciation of the rupee. has occurred
After Eid prayers on Thursday, the men rushed to find butchers to help them sacrifice their animals – an obligation for those who could afford it.
During the festival, Muslims around the world slaughter animals – goats, sheep, oxen/cows, or camels – keeping one-third of the meat for themselves before giving one-third to friends and relatives and one-third in charity. are
But many people were left out of this activity because they could not afford animals due to the rising prices, which reduced their happiness.
Danish Siddiqui, 43, a human rights activist, told JEE News, “As a result of inflation, people are unable to celebrate this Eid with joy. I pray that we overcome this economic crisis so that everyone can have such a happy life.” can enjoy the festivities”. .
Supply shocks, economic uncertainty and unchecked hoarding and profiteering have also pushed Pakistan’s annual inflation to a historic high of 38 percent.
“In the current situation, I keep praying that God keeps everyone safe,” said Adeela Wasif, a housewife, hoping for the betterment of the people, especially those living below the poverty line.
This Eid, in particular, also allows people to cook traditional dishes – kleji, katakat, roosh, meman masala, BBQ, and others.
“I will cook a lot of dishes this year — chicken tikka, katatak, kabli rice — and plan to distribute the cooked food to the needy,” Daniya Noor, a student at the university, told JEE News.
Remember the flood victims: PM
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appealed to the public to take special care of those displaced by last year’s floods.
The prime minister said in a statement that he was aware that Pakistan was facing rising inflation due to “external issues in the form of inflation and recession”.
The Prime Minister congratulated the Pakistani nation and the Muslim Ummah on the auspicious occasion of Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha and prayed for the acceptance of all religious prayers and sacrifices.
The Prime Minister said that the present government is using all its resources to provide relief to the people.
He had provided “maximum relief” to the salaried class, pensioners and workers in the current fiscal budget.
The Prime Minister prayed for the peace and prosperity of the Muslim world and the end of the sufferings of Muslims around the world, especially the oppressed brothers and sisters of India’s illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.
The Prime Minister observed that peace, tolerance, brotherhood and obedience to the commands of Allah are the messages of sacrifices and performance of Hajj.
He further said that fulfilling such demands through practical pursuits as well as reflecting on the significance of the occasion and the purpose behind it will fulfill the true objectives of this Eid.
He said that the basic philosophy behind Eid-ul-Adha is to sacrifice the dearest thing to Allah by showing sincerity and devotion.
No nation can progress unless it has the spirit of sacrifice
Acting President Mohammad Sadiq Sanjrani has extended his heartfelt greetings to the entire nation on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.
In a statement, he said that Eid al-Adha is a wonderful symbol of obedience because on this day, Muslims commemorate the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) when Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son Ismail (peace be upon him). He established an eternal tradition of self-sacrifice which continued till the end of time.
“This spirit of sacrifice is universal. No nation in the world can develop unless it has the spirit of sacrifice,” he said.
Acting President said that the nation has to work together for the development and prosperity of the country. “We must put aside all our interests, preferences and prejudices.”
He said that the time has come to get out of all political affiliations and adopt a common plan for the development and prosperity of the country.
He said that this country came into being as a result of endless sacrifices, tolerance and stability.
He asked the people to take special care of their brothers and sisters who have been left behind due to the oppression of the situation.
“We must keep an eye around us so that none of our neighbors miss out on the joys of this sacred occasion.”
