Three day's of Eid challenged in Pak SC

Islamabad, Oct 31 (UNI) The conflicting decisions that led to celebration of Eid-ul-fitr on three different days in Pakistan has been challenged in the country's Supreme Court.

The petitioner contended that various interpretations regarding the sighting of moon have hurt the religious emotions of the people and ''harmed national prestige'', Pak Tribune reported.

It urged the apex court to intervene in the matter and find ways to resolve the issue once and for all.

Filed by Chairman Insaf Welfare Trust Islamabad Aslam Khaki, the petition has made the Ministry of Religious Affairs, 'Ruet-e-Hilal' committee (a panel of clerics which scrutinises evidence regarding moon sighting), chief secretary NWFP Maulana Fazlur Rahman and Director General meterological department repsondents in the case.

The petitioner said Ruet-e-Hilal committee had been divided in three groups in NWFP. He said that Maulana Fazlur Rahman, also the leader of opposition in the National Assembly, had provided 38 testimonies to the committee but it neglected all of them which fanned ethnic and sectarian tension in the country.

Celebrating Eid on three different days has violated Article 2-A, 20, 30 and 31 of the constitution, it said.

UNI XC YA MIR KP1242