Islamabad: Millions of Pakistanis offered prayers and made traditional animal sacrifices on the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha amid tight security on Monday, police and security officials said.
Security was stepped up in the capital Islamabad and all major cities as people gathered at mosques and open-air services, with thousands of armed extra police guarding places of worship and commercial areas.
President General Pervez Musharraf and senior officials offered prayers at Army Stadium in Rawalpindi, the garrison city near capital Islamabad, while Premier Shaukat Aziz led prayers at the giant Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, according to
national television.
In a message issued on the eve of Eid, Musharraf said Pakistan was facing problems including terrorism and extremism and urged the nation to forge unity and brotherhood.
"We are in far greater need now to promote and follow high values like the spirit of sacrifice, brotherhood, mutual accommodation, harmony and affection to overcome such problems," Musharraf said.
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