- Nation marks Eid ul Adha with unity, devotion, and solemn spirit.
- Prayers, sermons highlight sacrifice, patience, and peaceful coexistence.
- Citizens perform Qurbani, share meat with underprivileged communities.
ISLAMABAD: The nation is celebrating Eid-ul-Adha today with traditional religious fervour, solemn devotion, and a renewed spirit of unity — this time, under the shadow of recent tensions in the region.
As the first Eid since the recent standoff between nuclear-armed neighbours Pakistan and India, the occasion resonates with a stronger-than-ever message of solidarity, peace, and compassion.
The day began with special Eid prayers at mosques, Eidgahs, and open spaces across the country. Worshippers offered collective supplications for the well-being of the Muslim Ummah and for peace, progress, and prosperity in Pakistan and the broader region.
In their sermons, religious scholars reflected on the enduring legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS), emphasising the need for patience, unity, and spiritual resilience in the face of adversity.
The ritual of Qurbani is also being observed nationwide, with families and communities sacrificing animals in remembrance of the unwavering obedience shown by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Those offering sacrifice are advised to distribute the meat generously among the poor, reinforcing the message that Eid is a time for inclusion, charity, and shared blessings.
In this regard, strict security arrangements have been enforced by federal and provincial authorities, especially in major urban centres and locations hosting large congregations. Local administrations have also ensured smooth waste management operations for the three days of Eid, reinforcing both civic responsibility and community spirit.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in his Eid message, congratulated the nation and the Islamic world, stating: “The message of Eid ul Adha goes beyond animal sacrifice. It teaches us to give up personal interests for higher national goals.”
Reflecting on recent regional tensions, he said, “Like we stood united during the recent Indian aggression, we must now continue showing unity and resolve to overcome internal challenges.”
He also highlighted the plight of Palestinians and Kashmiris, urging the nation not to forget “our oppressed brothers and sisters” and reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with their struggles. “We have to build a Pakistan where unity and sacrifice lead us toward prosperity,” he added.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, emphasised the values of “faith, selflessness, and brotherhood” that Eid ul Adha embodies. He called on citizens to care for the poor and marginalized, saying, “Today, we must reaffirm our commitment to support one another, eliminate hatred, and work together for the progress of Pakistan and the elevation of the Muslim Ummah.”
Special Eid programmes will be aired on state-run and private media, while newspapers will publishe dedicated Eid supplements that reflect on the spiritual and social significance of the occasion in the current geopolitical climate.
