Eid-ul-Azha is being celebrated across Pakistan today with religious zeal and fervour to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS) and calls for compassion and national unity.
On unity and sacrifice
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Field Marshal General Asim Munir extended felicitations to the country and the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eidul Azha. They called for national unity, compassion and collective sacrifice to overcome challenges at home and abroad.
PM Shehbaz congratulated Muslims across the globe and paid tribute to the spirit of devotion and selflessness demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS).
Photo: APP
“These blessed days remind us of the exemplary faithfulness and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS),” he said, adding that their submission to the will of Allah had been elevated to an act of worship.
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The essence of Eidul Azha goes beyond animal sacrifice, he said. “The message of Eidul Azha teaches us to sacrifice our self, our wishes and our interests for greater objectives.”
Shehbaz observed that the qualities of patience, courage and altruism are essential for a nation’s progress. “Today our beloved country Pakistan is on the path of progress and at this moment we have to embrace the spirit of solidarity and sacrifice.”
He urged the people to show unity, when confronting internal economic and social challenges, as they did when the nation stood firm in face of external threats. Referring to Pakistan’s response to recent Indian aggression, he recalled that the country had shown unwavering resolve when defending its and sovereign dignity.
“We must pool our resources to make our country strong, prosperous and self-sufficient,” he said. “We must prioritize national interest over personal interest.”
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Shehbaz expressed deep concern for the suffering of the people of Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for their right to self-determination. “We will always be their voice and will support their momentous struggle.”
The premier prayed for national strength, real happiness and the ability to act in accordance with the true spirit of sacrifice and selflessness.
Similarly, President Zardari also extended his heartfelt congratulations to the nation and the wider Muslim community, calling Eidul Azha a reminder of obedience, devotion and brotherhood.
“This day revives in us the spirit of faith, sacrifice, selflessness, and unity. May this Eid be a source of blessings, peace, and prosperity for our country and the Muslim Ummah, Ameen.”
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The president highlighted the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS) as timeless lessons of loyalty and submission to the divine will.
Photo: APP
He emphasized the importance of integrating these values into daily life. “Eid calls upon us to make a solemn pledge to always care for those in need—whether they are poor, sick, or destitute.”
Zardari urged the nation to support each other, especially the underprivileged, and to foster love and brotherhood while eliminating hatred and prejudice.
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“As a nation, we must share in each other’s sorrows and work together to build a prosperous and great Pakistan. Let us reaffirm our commitment to national harmony and the collective good,” he said, praying for unity and strength for the country and Muslims across the world.
The military’s top brass also extended Eid greetings to the people. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the armed forces offered prayers for enduring peace, prosperity and national cohesion in the country.
COAS and Field Marshal General Munir, chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, chief of naval staff and chief of airstaff all extended their fecilitations to the people.
They praised the resilience of the Pakistani people and saluted the bravery of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and citizens who continue to defend the nation’s security and stability. The military leadership recognized Eidul Azha as a time of reflection, sacrifice, and unity, and called on all Pakistanis to use this occasion to promote harmony and strengthen the fabric of the nation.
“Eid-ul-Azha is a sacred time of reflection, sacrifice, and unity. May this blessed occasion foster harmony across our society and reinforce the spirit of solidarity that binds us as one indomitable nation. The Pakistan Armed Forces stand resolutely with the people, united in purpose and steadfast in their sacred duty to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country,” read ISPR’s statement.
“On this day of reverence, we also honour the noble families of Shuhada-e-Pakistan—whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace and the nation.”
Celebrations in fervour
Eidul Azha is being celebrated across today with religious fervour and reverence, as millions of Muslims gather for prayers and perform sacrifices in remembrance of the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Photo: Reuters
Large congregations were held for Eid prayers at mosques, Eidgahs, Imambargahs, and open spaces nationwide.
In Islamabad, worshippers offered Eid prayers at the Shah Faisal Mosque and other major sites, where special prayers were also made for the armed forces, national unity, and the country’s progress and prosperity.
In Lahore, Eid prayers were led by Council of Islamic Ideology Chairperson Raghib Naeemi at Darul Uloom Jamia Naeemi. A large-scale collective sacrifice has been arranged at the seminary, where 180 animals were sacrificed on the first day. A total of 300 sacrifices are planned over three days. Similar arrangements were made in other parts of the city.
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Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar said special police and Quick Response Force (QRF) teams had been deployed across the province. In Lahore alone, over 6,000 officers were assigned to secure more than 5,000 prayer gatherings.
Photo: Reuters
In Rawalpindi, 604 mosques, 72 Imambargahs and 62 open spaces hosted Eid congregations, with 2,700 police personnel providing security.
In Karachi, Eid prayers were offered at different mosques in the city. Clerics across the country delivered sermons on the spiritual and philosophical significance of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) sacrifice.
Special prayers were also offered for the unity of the Muslim Ummah, national development, and the well-being of Palestinians and Kashmiris.
In Hyderabad and surrounding areas, more than 1,000 small and large prayer gatherings were organised. Many residents visited graveyards after Eid prayers to offer fateha for deceased loved ones, before commencing animal sacrifices.
In Peshawar, major congregations took place at the central Eidgah and various neighbourhoods, reflecting the same spirit of solemnity and unity.
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Strict security measures were in place nationwide, with police, Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies on high alert to ensure safety during prayers and sacrifice activities.
Photo: Reuters
Millions of citizens will continue offering sacrifices over the next two days, fulfilling the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and sharing meat with the underprivileged.
Municipal authorities have deployed special teams for sanitation and waste disposal, working to ensure prompt removal of offal and solid waste to maintain cleanliness in urban and rural areas.
