Islamabad, Jan 22 (Inditop.com) Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari offered the Namaz-e-Istasqa (rain prayer) after Friday prayers at his official residence Aiwan-e-Sadr here.

Federal ministers and members of the Senate also joined the president in the prayers.

“He prayed to Almighty Allah for showering His blessings on the nation and for

pouring much needed rain so that the dry spell, which is adversely affecting the

whole country, could be ended,” Online news agency reported.

He also appealed to the nation to prayers for rain and for the end of the dry spell sweeping the country.

Special prayers for rain were also offered Friday in mosques across the country.

“Drought is going on in Pakistan and despite chilling weather, there is no rain in sight. Dark clouds come, give hope and then leave without a droplet of blessing. Grounds are cracking, crops ruined, dams dry, and people are suffering from many diseases of the dry weather,” a posting on The Pakistani Spectator blog last last month said.