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ISLAMABAD: Amid differences over the sighting of Ramadan moon, the Rouat-e-Hilal committee again seems to be divided over the Shawaal moon sighting as the Central Rouat-e-Hilal committee and its provincial wing in NWFP have issued two different dates for their meetings.

Whereas the Central Rouat-e-Hilal committee has convened its meeting on Tuesday, November-25, the NWFP Rout-e-Hilal committee has called its session on Monday, Nov-24to decide about the sighting of the Shawaal moon.

However the Ministry of Religious Affairs has termed provincial meeting of the Rouat-e-Hilal as uncalled for.

Eid shopping gains Momentum

A hectic rush of shoppers was witnessed in bazaars and business centres of everywhere in Pakistan on Sunday, just a couple of days ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

A survey, carried out by Pakistan Times portrays that major shopping centres thronged by the affluant class give a dazzling look. "Eid shopping is expected to touch its peak on Chand Raat when the people especially the female folk will give final touches to their preparations," Javed Tailor, a shopkeeper of said.

With a big drop in the mercury level lately, woollies shops are attracting big rush, followed by garments and shoes outlets. The sale of Hina (Mehendi) and bangles will attain peak on Chand Raat.

Eid Cards

In contrast to garments, shoes and other daily use items, the sale of Eid cards has dropped drastically this year as more and more people especially the youth are turning to electronic greeting cards.

"Eid card sales have gone down drastically this year," said Mansoor, a card dealer in the Federal capital said.

E-mail Affects Post Office Revenus

Decrease in the sale of Eid cards has also affected the revenues of Pakistan Post Office. Pakistan Post Office sources, the advent of e-mail and internet have affected the foreign mail in general and Eid cards related revenue in particular.

The availability of animated and glittering electronic Eid cards on different websites is pulling youth away from the traditional cards. "Why should I spend a huge money on the purchase and posting of traditional Eid Card when there is possibility to send dozens of e-cards to friends and relatives across the world at nominal expenditure," Muhammed Ishaq, the owner of a grand dry-cleaning set-up, Grugson & Co. in Rawalpindi said.

Fascinating Art to Double the Holidays on Eid

Though the government has announced four-day Eid holidays, yet the experienced government employees know the art of availing the double- courtesy two days casual leave today n' tomorrow.

The majority of government employees have since left for their hometowns on Saturday and those could not found seats yesterday were planning to leave by tonight and to return to the capital on December-1.

The government has announced Eid ul Fitr holidays from November 26 to 29. As the Eid holidays start on Wednesday, the government employees have got two days causal leaves for November 24 to November 25, which falls on Monday and Tuesday.

It was Sunday on November 23 and next Sunday fall on November 30.

Employees' Lust for Abodes

The employees of the federal and provincial governments, their attached departments and the autonomous bodies have fully availed the casual leave facility, this time.

As many as 20 casual leaves were allowed to the government employees which expire on December 31 each year, if not availed. People especially the government officials have started leaving Islamabad and almost all other major cities of Pakistan for their home towns to celebrate Eid with their nears and dears.

Unprecedented Rush at Bus Stands, Rail Stations

A big rush was witnessed at General Bus Stand and Railway Station on Sunday. The number of people leaving Lahore for their home towns is likely to grow by tomorrow (Monday).

It may be mentioned that the casual leave facility is allowed if one gets sick or has an urgent work at home. But in the case of Eid holidays, majority of the employees have applied for CL on the basis of "urgent piece of work".

The competent authorities have also sanctioned the leave. Literally, there would be less or no official business on Monday and Tuesday (November 24,25) though the offices will remain opened.

Media men to Stay at Work

However, the Editorial staff of the News agencies, Radio, Television stations and Pakistan's First Independent Complete Daily Web Newspaper, Pakistan Times will remain open during Eid holidays as usual, besides the law enforcing agencies.

Meanwhile the rush of passengers was witnessed at the Islamabad airport, railway stations and bus terminals where people were ready to pay extra money to reach their homes. The bus and wagon owners have arranged additional buses to meet the rush of the passengers.

In a related development, the additional police force has been deployed at the bus terminals, Islamabad airports and at railway stations--allover to check the activities of the criminals.