The entire nation is grieved over the colossal loss of human lives in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and North West Frontier Province (NWFP) that were struck by deadliest ever earthquake with 7.6-magnitude on the Richter Scale on October 8.
The death toll rose to 73,000 and could go further up in the days ahead due to shivering weather. More than 80,000 people are also injured in the catastrophe.
The biggest Eid congregation in the federal capital would be at the Shah Faisal Mosque where thousands of faithful will pray for the victims of the killer earthquake as well as for the country's solidarity and prosperity.
To express sympathy and solidarity with the quake-stricken people, President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz have announced to celebrate Eid along with the people of quake-hit areas.
Opposition political parties have also urged the people to celebrate Eid with simplicity and renewed their pledge to make all-out efforts for the rehabilitation of quake survivors.
Cabinet members would visit hospitals in the twin cities and meet injured people, who are in agony at the moment. They will distribute Eid gifts among the children, who have almost lost their entire families.
The natural disaster of massive magnitude and the destruction it wreaked has apparently eclipsed preparations for Eid-ul-Fitr.
A number of embassies and foreign missions in the federal capital had already cancelled their functions on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr to share the sufferings of the Pakistani people due to the colossal loss of life in the devastating earthquake.
The school-going children have launched a countrywide special fund raising campaign to help the young wounded babies who are anxiously waiting for the love and sympathy.
The human catastrophe has compelled the people to review their traditional mood to mark the day of joy and happiness who are contributing as much as they can to the relief of the suffering humanity in AJK and NWFP.
Islamabad wore a deserted look on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr as most of the inhabitants have gone back to their native towns to celebrate the festival with their family members.
Unlike the past, there was lesser rush at markets and shopping plazas. Usually, during the second week of Ramazan, Eid shopping started gaining momentum.
As some hustle and bustle in the shopping markets was started after a break in series of aftershocks, a bomb hoax in one of the busiest shopping market, Karachi Company, has once again created severe panic among the people on Wednesday night.
Heavy contingents of police and paramilitary troops have been deployed in Islamabad to meet any untoward incident on the auspicious day.
For a Muslim, Eid is a day of thanksgiving. Muslims celebrate Eid by offering thanks to Allah Almighty by means of distributing alms among the poor and needy and special prayers.
APP ADDS: Zonal Ruet-i-Hilal Committee Karachi on Thursday evening endorsed the sighting of Shawwal moon in Karachi. Hence, Eid-ul-Fitr will fall on Friday.
The Zonal Ruet-i-Hilal Committee met here at Habib Bank Plaza with Qari Raza Al-Mustafa Azmi in the chair. Maulana Azmi made the announcement of sighting the moon. Other members of the committee included Maulana Asad Deobandi, Bashir Ahmed Naqshbandi and Maulana Muhammad Ahmed Qazi.
The members of the committee called upon the people to celebrate Eid with solemnity and simplicity.