Prime Minister Shehbaz, President Zardari and Field Marshal Munir call for compassion and solidarity on Eidul Azha

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Defense Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir on Wednesday extended Eidul Azha’s heartfelt greetings 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 that the true spirit of sacrifice requires making room in our hearts for others. He added that Eidul Azha teaches that sacrifice is “not just 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 from 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 emphasized that the real essence of sacrifice is to make room in one’s heart for others and remember the underprivileged during the Eid celebrations. He urged people to support the poor, orphans, widows, labourers, persons with disabilities and those who silently endured hardship.

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

The President also emphasized 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 emphasized the need for special care for those who endure hardships in silence 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.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz said in a statement on X 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 of Palestine and the 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 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 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 made 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 symbolizes “sacrifice, faith and solidarity” and added that the Pakistan Armed Forces remain “steadfast in their sacred duty to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The military leadership also stressed that the armed forces stand “shoulder to shoulder with the nation in the pursuit of peace and stability,” it added.

Special tributes were paid to the families of Pakistan’s martyrs, with the statement noting that Shuhada-e-Pakistan’s “unparalleled sacrifices” 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.