Lahore: An Indian religious scholar on Sunday led a congregation of tens of thousands of Muslims from all over the globe in grand prayers that marked the culmination of a Tableeghi Jamaat gathering in this eastern Pakistani city.
Maulana Zubairul Hassan, the global ‘amir’ or chief of the Jamaat, led the prayers at the gathering held at Raiwind. According to some estimates, one million people participated in the event despite fears about possible terrorist attacks.
People came from all parts of the world, including India, Bangladesh, the US and Europe, to join the three-day congregation.
The organisers brushed aside warnings from the Pakistan government not to hold the event due to terror threats, saying that they had made their own security arrangements.
A large number of armed guards were posted along with policemen at all entry points for the venue of the gathering.
They checked the baggage of participants and prevented any attempt to smuggle arms or explosives into the compound. Tableeghi Jamaat (Pakistan) chief Mualana Abdul Wahab delivered the opening address.
The other religious scholars who addressed the congregation were Maulana Muhammad Ismael of India, Maulana Saad Ahmed, Maulana Ahmed Lat, Maulana Tariq Jamil and Mufti Muhammad Jameel.
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, November 08, 2009, 20:30