Nation celebrates Eidul Fitr with zeal, fervour and spirit of togetherness | The Express Tribune

Eid ul Fitr is being celebrated across Pakistan on Saturday (today), with millions marking the end of the holy month of Ramazan 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.

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.

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 Asif Ali Zardari offered Eidul Fitr prayers at Zardari House in Nawabshah. He prayed for the security and development of Pakistan and later met members of the public to exchange Eid greetings.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined worshippers in Lahore, accompanied by his sons Hamza Shehbaz and Salman Shehbaz, 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.

President Zardari urges nation to uphold Ramazan’s spirit

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, in his message on X, urged the nation to carry forward the spirit of patience and piety cultivated during Ramazan.

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.

PM Shehbaz calls for unity and support for the needy in Eid message

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended heartfelt greetings to the nation and Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.

In his message, the prime minister said, “Today’s blessed day is a manifestation of Allah’s special mercy and boundless grace upon us.”

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

Prime minister further stated, “Eidul Fitr represents Allah’s promise of reward after patience and perseverance. It also revives the spirit of sacrifice, unity, service to humanity, and collective responsibility.”

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

PM Shehbaz emphasized, “Collective responsibility and mutual cooperation are the true guarantees of national progress and prosperity.”

He 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.”

Premier concluded, “May Allah strengthen the spirit of brotherhood within the Muslim Ummah and enable us to work together for the betterment of humanity.”

“As a nation, Pakistan prays for peace, security, and stability across the world. We pray that this blessed occasion of Eid fosters an environment of global peace, justice, fairness, tolerance, and brotherhood,” he added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered Eidul Fitr prayers in Lahore on Saturday, joining worshippers in marking one of the most significant Islamic festivals.

The premier was accompanied by his sons, Hamza Shehbaz and Salman Shehbaz, as well as Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar.Following the prayers, the prime minister mingled with citizens and party workers, exchanging Eid greetings and personally meeting attendees in a display of public outreach.

Military leadership extends Eid greetings to nation

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

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.

Over 7,000 personnel deployed in Islamabad

Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police ensured foolproof security arrangements for Eidul 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.