Pakistan News: Eid ul Azha will be celebrated across the country today with a religious zeal and fervor and a renewed pledge for peace and brotherhood. Special prayers will be offered after Fajr prayers for peace, progress and prosperity of the country. The day will dawn with exchange of felicitations among the Muslims as they will share their sentiments of brotherhood, love and respect for one another while moving to the congregation places. Then they would gather at mosques at open places (Eidgahs) to offer prayers and commemorate the great sacrifices of Hazrat Ibrahim, the beloved Prophet of Allah Almighty. Special sermons are delivered at congregations to highlight the importance of the Day and spirit behind the sacrifices of the animals to the will of God. This festival reminds us the commitment of Hazrat Ibrahim, who on the will of God, offered the sacrifice of his dear son Hazrat Ismail. This act of Hazrat Ibrahim was so graciously liked by Allah Almighty that He made sacrifice obligatory to those Muslims who afford it. After offering prayers and hearing to the sermons of the preachers, they sacrifice their animals and share happiness and meat with their relatives, neighbors and friends in a gesture of love and brotherhood. Yesterday, Eid ul Azha was celebrated in Middle Eastern and European countries; where as in some areas of NWFP, including Mehmund Agency, Khyber Agency and Nowshehra, Eid was celebrated yesterday.

RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the trial of former president Musharraf can not be compared with NRO as both are separate issues.

He was talking to media persons after visiting Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s residence to offer condolence over his brother’s demise.

When asked whether National Reconciliation Ordinance was a hurdle in the way of former president Pervez Musharraf’s trial, the Prime Minister termed them two different issues.

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Monday said the government wanted to maintain friendly relations with all its neighbors including India on the basis of equality.

Gilani said his government desires forward movement on the Composite Dialogue process with India for the resolution of all outstanding issues.

To a question, the Prime Minister said the government was in touch with the PML(N) on all important issues including relations with India.

He referred to his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in Sharm el Sheikh, and said he had met PML (N) Chief Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif to take him onboard.

The Prime Minister said the government had fixed the ex-mill price of sugar at Rs 45 per kilogram, adding that the availability of commodity would be ensured in all provinces.

He said the provincial governments following the federal government’s step were also trying to control the price of sugar.

Gilani mentioned the unavailability of sugar in Balochistan and said the federal government had directed the Trading Corporation of Pakistan to ensure ample supply of sugar to the province.

He said the government was utilizing all the resources to normalize the price of sugar.

He said the hoarders should also realize the problems of people especially during the holy month of Ramazan.

When asked whether National Reconciliation Ordinance was a hurdle in the way of former president Pervez Musharraf’s trial, the Prime Minister termed them two different issues.

Gilani did not agree to the impression regarding differences between PPP and PML(N) and said both parties had their own manifestos and programmes.

He said both parties were moving with political maturity to strengthen the national institutions as per the wishes of masses.

Earlier, the Prime Minister along with Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik, Water and Power Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Babar Awan, especially went to Chakri to offer condolences to Chaudhry Nisar.

Gilani expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of Lt.  Gen. ® Iftikhar and prayed that may Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.