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April 12, 2024
Gaza Takes Center Stage as Pakistan Celebrates Eid al-Fitr
Lahore: Pakistan celebrated Eid al-Fitr with most of the Muslim world on Wednesday, as leaders expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza, where a six-month-long Israeli military invasion has resulted in the death of more than 33,000 Palestinians and injuries to many more.
“On behalf of the Pakistan nation, I want to give the message to the oppressed Muslims of Gaza and Palestine that the whole Pakistani nation expresses solidarity with you,” President Asif Ali Zardari said in his Eid message released by state news agency APP .
“We impress upon the international community to ensure immediate peace in Gaza and provision of assistance to the Palestinians,” he said. “The oppression, barbarity and genocide by Israel is the gravest violation of human rights.”
Not forgetting the situation in India-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the president reassured the region’s people of Pakistan’s unwavering support, both morally and politically, in line with UN resolutions and the Kashmiri people’s aspirations.
While extending warm Eid al-Fitr greetings to Pakistan and the broader Muslim community, President Zardari called for a spirit of compassion and generosity towards the less fortunate. He highlighted the essence of sharing and caring that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and prayer.
“On this auspicious occasion of Eid al-Fitr, I extend my sincere congratulations to the Pakistani nation and the Muslim Ummah. May this day bring abundant blessings, joy, peace, and security to all,” he said.
“It’s a day to express our gratitude for the divine blessings bestowed upon us,” Zardari remarked, emphasizing the importance of compassion and generosity witnessed during Ramadan.
Continuing with the Eid messages of unity and compassion from Pakistan’s leadership, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reached out to the nation and Muslims worldwide on the joyous occasion of Eid. Mirroring President Zardari’s sentiments, he emphasized the festival’s core values of solidarity and generosity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz’s message also extended solidarity to Muslims in Palestine and Kashmir facing challenges and oppression. “Let us not forget our Palestinian and Kashmiri brethren during our celebrations. We pray for their relief and for peace and harmony to prevail worldwide.”
Imran hails PTI workers’ ‘sacrifices’
Former prime minister Imran Khan — who is currently incarcerated in the Adiala Jail — dedicated most of his Eid message to the “sacrifices” of his party workers.
In a message posted on his official X account, Imran was quoted as saying: “I want to commend the sacrifices of our innocent citizens and workers, who laid down their lives for our Haqeeqi Azadi, as well as those who endure the burden of imprisonment, onslaught of vengeance, and face personal and financial losses with utmost courage and resilience.”
The PTI founder prayed for the safety and security of Pakistan and sought “patience, perseverance, and victory over both state and non-state criminals”.
He also extended his prayers to “the people of Gaza facing genocide and the Kashmiris struggling against the ruthless Indian occupation”.
Reflecting on Ramadan, the ex-premier highlighted that fasting instilled “qualities such as patience, sacrifice, discipline and devotion to God, harmonizing Muslim society with the philosophy of Islamic life”.
Pakistan joined several countries across the world in celebrating Eidul Fitr today. - Dawn
Courtesy Dawn
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