Pakistan celebrates Eid ul Fitr with joy, unity, and generosity

Islamabad: Pakistanis across the country are celebrating Eid ul Fitr with great enthusiasm, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The day began with special prayers at mosques and open grounds, where people prayed for the progress, peace, and security of the country.

Eid is a time for family gatherings and celebrations. People wear traditional clothes, visit relatives, and exchange sweets and gifts. Special dishes like sheer khurma, a sweet dessert, and meat-based delicacies are prepared in homes. Children eagerly look forward to receiving Eidi, or money gifts, from elders, adding to the festive joy.

On this special day, Pakistan’s leaders have encouraged the public to remember the less fortunate and give to charity.

President Asif Ali Zardari sent his warm greetings to the people of Pakistan and the Muslim world. He emphasized the importance of sharing Eid's happiness with those in need.

“We should actively give Zakat, charity, and Fitrana, so that no one is left without the joy of Eid,” the president said. He reminded everyone that Eid is a reward from Allah for the fasting and worship carried out during Ramadan.

President Zardari also spoke about the values of patience, endurance, and compassion that Ramadan teaches. He urged people to reflect these values in their everyday lives. He called for unity, encouraging Pakistanis to support each other in order to help the country grow and become more stable. The president also expressed his hopes for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), wishing they would soon be able to celebrate Eid in peace.

In his Eid message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of happiness, gratitude, brotherhood, and empathy, which are central to Eid celebrations. He called on the nation to continue upholding the values of patience and sacrifice even after Ramadan ends. The prime minister also spoke about the challenges Pakistan faces and the need for unity to fight extremism, sectarianism, and external threats. “We must remain united for the country’s stability and integrity and not let any conspiracy succeed,” he said.

The prime minister also stressed that it is everyone’s responsibility to work together to improve the country’s economy and social systems. He mentioned that the government is making strong efforts to revive the economy and maintain law and order.

PM Shehbaz also paid tribute to the Pakistani armed forces for their sacrifices in fighting terrorism. He expressed solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives in the recent Jaffar Express train attack and reiterated Pakistan’s support for the people of Palestine and IIOJK. He also called on the international community to step in and stop the ongoing human rights violations.

In his concluding remarks, the prime minister encouraged Pakistanis to share the blessings of Eid with the underprivileged and work towards building a more inclusive and compassionate society.

The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and the Service Chiefs extend their heartfelt Eid ul Fitr greetings to all Pakistanis as well.

“Eid ul Fitr, marking the conclusion of Ramadan, stands as a symbol of unity, compassion, and gratitude," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

"For our soldiers, the true essence of Eid is embodied in the honor of defending our cherished nation—even in separation from family—while striving to foster peace, prosperity, and harmony."

"This auspicious occasion affords us the opportunity to reflect upon the unwavering valour and commitment of our national heroes — the brave men and women who safeguard our freedom and sovereignty."

"The Armed Forces remain deeply appreciative of the sacrifices made by these courageous individuals and the enduring support of their families,” it said.

In the spirit of Eid, the Armed Forces of Pakistan call upon all citizens to unite under the banner of love, respect, and solidarity, the very principles that define our great nation, the statement said.