Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a nationwide directive to hold Salat al-Istisqa, a special prayer seeking rain. Following his instructions, a circular was sent out today by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, urging this prayer to be performed across the country. With health concerns and smog on the rise due to ongoing drought, the government sees this prayer as essential for relief.
Arrangements for Salat al-Istisqa will span both federal and provincial levels, including all four provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has asked mosque Imams, along with the general public, to participate and pray together, hoping for much-needed rain. Secretaries of the Auqaf departments have also been directed to ensure these arrangements are implemented everywhere.
In his statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on the nation to turn to Allah, asking for forgiveness and blessings in the form of rain. He expressed a personal appeal to religious scholars and spiritual leaders to come forward and lead this prayer for rain, reinforcing the importance of unity in seeking mercy during challenging times.
