Pakistan prepares for Ramadan

        Pakistan prepares for Ramadan

Ramadan begins with the start of August for Pakistan. Keepers of the fast awake before dawn to eat suhur, the morning meal. They fast until sunset.'This is the month when Muslims may render unto the Lord their gratitude for all the blessings given to us and pray for the grace of God,' said Professor Dr Humayun Abbas Shams, a well known Islamic scholar from Pakistan.
The excitement begins when people see the Ramadan moon. There is a buzz in the streets late into the night and people begin to prepare for the month of fasting by the storing the things needed to start the fast. The men head into the mosque for Taraweeh prayers, while the women start sehri (pre-dawn) preparation.
Ramadan is characterized not just by its obligation on every Muslim to keep away from certain things which are allowed in other months, but also by the weight of blessings attached to every good deed performed in this month, Dr Abbas, A professor of Islam at GC University Faisalabad told States Times.
Ramadan is the month in which Muslims believe the Koran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, beginning with a simple word – IQRA (اقراء). It is therefore a time when Muslims reflect upon the wisdom and guidance that comes with faith, and the responsibility that human beings have to one another, and to God.
Prices rise in Ramadan
Many Muslims are worried that grocery prices will rise for Ramadan.

'Every year, private vendors raise prices 10-20% because they know that no matter how expensive the food is, we will come buy it since we often host iftars,' said economist Dr Murtaza Mughal.
'This is highly sinful behaviour. You shouldn’t take advantage of this (holiday),' said Malik Ejaz, an Islamabad resident.
Govt packages
Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif recently announced a subsidy of Rs. 4 billion for the sale of quality daily-use items including flour, sugar, ghee and others to the people at a concessionary rate.
He said 1,176 price control magistrates will be deputed during Ramadan to ensure stable prices and uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, and price control committees and district administrations will be activated throughout the province.
The District Co-ordination Officer Lahore, Ahad Cheema, has directed town officials to set up 17 Ramadan Bazaars and 47 Iftar Dastarkhwans and to ensure they function smoothly during the month.
Subsidised flour and sugar will be available at the Ramadan Bazaars, Cheema said.
Free Iftari would be available at Dastarkhwans for the deserving.
'These dastakhwans would be arranged near katchi abadi (slums), industrial areas, and residential colonies for labourers, at bus stops and public hospitals,' Cheema said.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah also announced a 'Ramadan relief package' of Rs. 2 billion.
Security measures
Security has been beefed up across the country to ensure peace during Ramadan.
'Only one gate of mosques will be used for exit, while the loudspeaker act would be followed strictly,' Police Inspector Khalid Mahmood told Media in Islamabad, after a security meeting.
He said a minimum of two security guards will be deployed at mosques and those coming to pray will have to go through metal detectors.
'Security has been tightened at government and police offices because the Punjab Government received a warning that a Qari Imran group plans to target six sensitive areas in Punjab,' said Capital City Police Officer Ahmad Raza Tahir.
'From the first day of Ramadan, to ensure law and order during the month. a secure Lahore campaign would be launched,' Tahir said. 'Negligence in the performance of duties will no longer be tolerated.'
Special security arrangements will be made during suhur, iftar and taraveeh hours, he said.
'Police are conducting search operations to track terrorism suspects with the assistance of intelligence agencies,' he said. He said four provincial police headquarters are working together in this regard.
'As many as 22 suspects are arrested so far,' he said. 'Personnel have been given set routes to cover and advised to remain vigilant.'