Pakistan celebrates Eid Al Adha with calls for unity and compassion
- Last updated: June 7, 2025 | 19:49
Eid Al Adha celebrated across Pakistan on Saturday with religious zeal and fervour to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS) and calls for compassion and national unity.
The spirit of unity, sacrifice, and compassion was evident in the early morning hours as worshippers gathered at mosques and open grounds nationwide to mark the holy occasion.
The day dawned with special prayers in mosques for well-being of the Ummah and progress, prosperity and security of the country. Special prayers were also offered for the unity of the Muslim Ummah, national development, and the well-being of Palestinians and Kashmiris.
Congregational prayers were held across the country to mark the religious festival, along with sermons highlighting the significance of the event and the philosophy behind sacrifice.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal General Asim Munir extended felicitations to the country and the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid Al Adha. They called for national unity, compassion and collective sacrifice to overcome challenges at home and abroad.
Shahbaz congratulated Muslims across the globe and paid tribute to the spirit of devotion and selflessness demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS).
“These blessed days remind us of the exemplary faithfulness and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS),” he said, adding that their submission to the will of Allah had been elevated to an act of worship.
The essence of Eid Al Adha goes beyond animal sacrifice, he said. “The message of Eid Al Adha teaches us to sacrifice our self, our wishes and our interests for greater objectives."
Shahbaz observed that the qualities of patience, courage and altruism are essential for a nation’s progress. “Today our beloved country Pakistan is on the path of progress and at this moment we have to embrace the spirit of solidarity and sacrifice."
He urged the people to show unity, when confronting internal economic and social challenges, as they did when the nation stood firm in face of external threats. Referring to Pakistan's response to recent Indian aggression, he recalled that the country had shown unwavering resolve when defending its and sovereign dignity.
“We must pool our resources to make our country strong, prosperous and self-sufficient,” he said. “We must prioritize national interest over personal interest.”
Shahbaz expressed deep concern for the suffering of the people of Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir, and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for their right to self-determination. “We will always be their voice and will support their momentous struggle.”
The premier prayed for national strength, real happiness and the ability to act in accordance with the true spirit of sacrifice and selflessness.
Similarly, President Zardari also extended his heartfelt congratulations to the nation and the wider Muslim community, calling Eid Al Adha a reminder of obedience, devotion and brotherhood.
“This day revives in us the spirit of faith, sacrifice, selflessness, and unity. May this Eid be a source of blessings, peace, and prosperity for our country and the Muslim Ummah, Ameen.”
The president highlighted the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS) as timeless lessons of loyalty and submission to the divine will.
In the federal capital, the main Eid congregation was held at Faisal Mosque where Federal Ministers, politicians and parliamentarians present in Islamabad, Muslim diplomats and notables joined thousands of faithful in prayers.
In Lahore, main Eid congregation was held at Badshahi Mosque while in Rawalpindi, main Eid congregation was held at Liaquat Bagh, while in Karachi‚ large congregations were held at Gulshan-e-Jinnah‚ Nishtar Park‚ National Stadium and Eidgah Nazimabad.
In Peshawar, major congregations took place at the central Eidgah and various neighbourhoods, reflecting the same spirit of solemnity and unity.
To celebrate Eid Al Adha, Muslims sacrifice animals including cow, goat, sheep and camel according to their purchasing power on any of the three days of Eid. People this year have suffered a lot due to the mounting prices of the sacrificial animals.
Strict security measures were in place nationwide, with police, Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies on high alert to ensure safety during prayers and sacrifice activities.
NNI News Service