PM Shehbaz, President Zardari and Field Marshal Munir urge compassion, solidarity on Eidul Azha

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

In their separate messages, they said 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 the true spirit of sacrifice requires making space 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 lies not in wealth or power but in “piety, sincerity, service and feeling the pain of humanity.”

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

President Zardari stressed that the real essence of sacrifice is to make space in one’s heart for others and remember the underprivileged during Eid celebrations. He urged people to support the poor, orphans, widows, labourers, persons with disabilities, and those silently enduring hardship.

“The joys of Eid are only complete when the deprived and deserving members of 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 hatred and division.”

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

PM Shehbaz, in a statement on X, said 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 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 wider world.

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

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

It stated that Eidul Azha symbolises “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 emphasised that the armed forces stand “shoulder to shoulder with the nation in pursuit of peace and stability,” it added.

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 foundations of the country.

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