Pakistanis celebrate Eid Al Fitr with religious zeal and spirit of togetherness

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday called for greater unity and brotherhood among Muslims on Eid Al Fitr day messages as the country marked the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan with prayers, traditional festivities, and a strong spirit of togetherness.

Small and large congregations for Eid prayers were held early in the day at open spaces, mosques and Eidgahs across the country. Special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, as well as for the welfare of Muslim Ummah worldwide.

Muslims attend Eid Al Fitr prayers at the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. Reuters

Central congregations took place at the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad and the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, where prominent government officials, political leaders, and social figures joined worshippers for Eid prayers.

Children hug each other after offering Eid Al Fitr prayers at a mosque in Karachi. AFP

Rain disrupted Eid prayers and celebrations in Karachi, with early morning showers making it difficult for worshippers. Eid prayers at Polo Ground were cancelled due to the downpour.

President Zardari offered Eid Al Fitr prayers at Zardari House in Nawabshah, Sindh province. He prayed for the security and development of Pakistan and later met members of the public to exchange Eid greetings.

Shahbaz joined worshippers in Lahore, accompanied by his sons Hamza Shahbaz and Salman Shahbaz, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

Premier prayed for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity, the well-being of the Muslim Ummah, and lasting peace in the region.

Following the prayers, the prime minister mingled with citizens and party workers, exchanging greetings and personally meeting attendees in a display of public outreach.

Zardari, in his message on X, urged the nation to carry forward the spirit of patience and piety cultivated during Ramadan.

He called for unity and brotherhood, and encouraged people to include the needy in their celebrations. President Zardari also prayed for Pakistan’s peace and prosperity.

Shahbaz Sharif extended heartfelt greetings to the nation and Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr.

In his post on X, Shahbaz wrote: “Even as we celebrate Eid with gratitude and joy, our hearts remain heavy for the people of Gaza and Kashmir, as well as our brothers and sisters affected by the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East and the region.

“On this occasion, all Muslims thank Allah Almighty for granting us the joy of Eid Al Fitr after the spiritual devotion of Ramadan. May Allah accept our worship and enable us to implement Islamic values in our daily lives,” he added.

“As a nation, we must share the joy of Eid with the underprivileged segments of society. During the holy month of Ramadan, the government successfully implemented a digital wallet system to provide dignified financial assistance to vulnerable communities,” he noted.

Girls display their hands painted with traditional henna as they celebrate Eid Al Fitr in Peshawar. AP

Shahbaz continued, “While we celebrate Eid with joy and gratitude, our hearts also grieve for the people of Gaza and other conflict-affected regions in the Middle East. Their suffering highlights the urgent need for greater unity within the Muslim Ummah, so that together we may promote justice, dignity, and lasting peace. In a time of global turmoil and instability, our greatest strength lies in our unity.”

In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s top military leadership extended Eid Al Fitr greetings to the nation, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding the country.

An aerial view shows Shiites offering Eid Al Fitr prayers in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan. AFP

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of the Air Staff Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu conveyed their wishes on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan.

“Eid reflects the enduring values of unity, compassion, and gratitude. For Armed Forces of Pakistan, the true spirit of Eid lies in the honour of serving and defending the motherland, even away from their families, to ensure peace and security for the nation,” the statement read.

The ISPR said the armed forces paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of personnel safeguarding the country, while acknowledging the steadfast support of their families. “May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and blessings to Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah,” it added.

Police officers stand guard while people arrive to attend Eid Al Fitr prayers in Peshawar. AP

Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police ensured foolproof security arrangements for Eid Al Fitr prayers across the federal capital, deploying over 7,000 officers and personnel.

A public relations officer told APP that the largest Eid congregation in Islamabad was held at Faisal Mosque, where comprehensive security arrangements were taken place.

He said all security arrangements were being monitored through Safe City cameras and modern technology to ensure effective surveillance and response.