Prime Minister Shehbaz, President Zardari and Field Marshal Munir urge compassion and solidarity with Eidul Azha

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir on Wednesday extended heartfelt Eidul Azha greetings to all Pakistanis and the entire Muslim community.

In their separate messages, they said that Eidul Azha reminds Muslims of the great spirit of obedience to Allah Almighty, patience, loyalty, sincerity and sacrifice, as reflected in the noble legacy of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS).

President Zardari said that the true spirit of sacrifice requires making room in our hearts for others. He added that Eidul Azha teaches that sacrifice “is not merely a religious obligation but a complete moral message”, adding that true success does not lie in wealth or power but in “piety, sincerity, service and the feeling of the pain of humanity”.

Quoting a hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the president said: “The people most loved by Allah are those who benefit others the most.”

President Zardari emphasized that the true essence of sacrifice is to make space in one’s heart for others and remember the underprivileged during the Eid celebrations. He urged people to support the poor, orphans, widows, workers, people with disabilities and those who bear hardships silently.

“The joy of Eid is only complete when the underprivileged and deserving members of the society are also included in these celebrations,” he said.

The president also highlighted the importance of responsibility, tolerance and honesty in national life. He called on the public to promote “love, tolerance and dialogue instead of hate and division.”

He highlighted the need for special care for those who endure difficulties in silence without expressing their needs. He concluded by praying for the peace, stability and prosperity of the country, saying: “May Allah accept our sacrifices and bless Pakistan with peace, unity, stability, development and prosperity.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz, in a statement on X, said that the spirit of sacrifice, unity and solidarity is essential for the lasting progress and prosperity of nations. “Let us remember the underprivileged around us, share the joys of Eid with those in need and reaffirm our commitment to unity, brotherhood and service to humanity,” he said.

He also expressed solidarity with the oppressed people in Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The Prime Minister concluded his message with prayers for peace and prosperity for Pakistan and the rest of the world.

CDF Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also extended Eidul Azha greetings to the nation in a joint message, according to the army’s media wing.

The military leaders prayed for “lasting peace, prosperity and unity of the nation” while paying tribute to the resilience of the Pakistani people and the sacrifices made by martyrs, armed forces personnel, law enforcement agencies and citizens, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

He stated that Eidul Azha symbolizes “sacrifice, faith and solidarity”, adding that the Pakistan Armed Forces remain “steadfast in their sacred duty to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country”. The military leadership also emphasized that the armed forces stand “shoulder to shoulder with the nation in the pursuit of peace and stability,” he added.

A special tribute was paid to the families of Pakistan’s martyrs, with the statement noting that the “unparalleled sacrifices” of Shuhada-e-Pakistan continue to strengthen the country’s foundations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also wished all Muslims in Pakistan and the world Eidul Azha Mubarak.