Tariq Butt

Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday that the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) marked the end of a history of inhumanity, oppression, tyranny, ignorance, injustice and deviation from the right path.

In his message, the premier added that Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birth “purified civilisation by inculcating characteristics like human dignity and forgiveness.” He said the idea of a welfare state was first introduced by Islam.

President Dr Arif Alvi said the government is trying to develop Pakistan as a welfare state based on the principles of the state of Madina.

The president urged citizens, particularly religious scholars, to play their role in making Pakistan a welfare state, adding that the government is making economic and social reforms in various sectors which could bring positive results “very soon.”

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi was celebrated with religious enthusiasm across Pakistan. The day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and a 21-gun salute in all the provincial capitals.

Following Fajr prayers, special prayers for the unity of the Muslim ummah as well as for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan were offered in various mosques.

Special conferences, events and Mehfil-e-Milad are also being held to mark the occasion. The ‘International Rehmatul-Lil-Alameen (SAW) Conference’ is underway in Islamabad, the report added.

In his message, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif said it is a day of salvation from restlessness and illiteracy for humanity. Addressing the Rehmatul-Lil-Alameen Conference, the prime minister said no deal or other relaxations can be given to corrupt people.

“People have said that I should forgive those who have looted the country, but it is not my money that they have looted,” he said.

The premier added, people give money to charity but not pay taxes. “If they don’t give taxes how will the country move forward? Those who plundered the wealth of the nation deserve no right to be spared.”

Imran added that compassion is for poor and downtrodden segments of society and not for powerful and corrupt people. He further said the ‘state of Medina’ is a source of inspiration for a progressive society.

“People keep asking me when Naya Pakistan modelled on the state of Medina will be made and I tell them the state of Medina was not made in one day,” he said.

“This is a continuing struggle, but at least we have started on the path,” he added. “I will keep working to make this country on the principles on the state of Medina.”

In a separate development, convener of the Rehbar Committee of the opposition parties and senior Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Akram Durrani has hinted moving to “plan B” of the “Azadi March” sit-in at H-9 sector next week.

“Our next course of action will become clear on Monday or Tuesday,” he told reporters. He said that another meeting between the Rehbar committee will be called “if deemed necessary.” He rejected the notion that talks with the government were suspended. “We are holding discussions on how to move forward.”

Meanwhile, the “Azadi March” sit-in was converted into the “Seerat-e-Tayyaba Conference” to observe 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal. “Our Azadi March has been transformed into a Seerat conference right now. We have not witnessed a larger Seerat conference in history,” JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said.

Various religious leaders addressed the conference and spoke about the importance of following the teachings and lessons of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

In the meantime, JUI-F leader Bilal Ahmed Mir claimed that an Islamabad-bound vehicle carrying 5,000 jackets for sit-in participants as well as a party member, has disappeared. He said that 5,000 jackets were ordered for participants to protect them from the cold weather.

A vehicle carrying the jackets had left Lahore and was bound for the capital, Mir said, but went missing after entering Jhelum. “The vehicle has disappeared along with the driver and a party member. We request the administration to send the jackets, which were meant for peaceful protesters, as well as party member.”