Yousuf Raza Gilani, Kayani to spend Eid festival with flood victims

Prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani will spend the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festival with victims of Pakistan's devastating floods as a gesture of solidarity.


Gilani announced his decision to spend Eid, expected to be celebrated on September 10, with people affected by the floods while making a statement in the National Assembly or lower house of parliament today.


The traditional "Darbar" organised at the prime minister's House on Eid will not be held this year, he said.


"I announce that I will celebrate Eid with flood-affected people. We cannot leave them alone. We need to console them and share their miseries," Gilani said.


The premier directed members of his cabinet to focus on flood-hit areas and to celebrate Eid with the victims in different areas.


Kayani and other top army commanders will visit people living in relief camps during Eid.


The army will organise special functions at the camps, especially for women, children and the elderly, media reports said.


The army chief is expected to visit several relief camps in different parts of the country.