The president called for rejecting extremist trends and negative propaganda of misguided elements in the country by promoting the Islamic teachings of tolerance and affinity. The president, in his message, said that a society developed on such lines would be helpful in resolving the issues of extremism and violence.

The president mentioned the recent incident of firing by miscreants on the passenger buses in Babusar (Gilgit-Baltistan) and said such acts of sectarianism and violence were completely against the teachings of Islam.

Similarly, he said, the terrorist attack in Kamra, which was foiled by the courage and valour of the country’s armed forces, clearly violated the spirit of Islam.

President Zardari expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty for granting all an opportunity to celebrate this festive occasion.

He said Eidul Fitr is a day that concludes the blessed month of Ramazan, marking it with a note of thankfulness. “To express gratitude before Allah Almighty, we need to spend our lives in line with His true, glowing and balanced teachings. This is the righteous way that leads to the attainment of success in the life here and hereafter, and makes one’s self get closer to Allah Almighty,” he said.

The president said the real happiness of Eid can be felt only by joining poor relatives, neighbours and needy brothers and sisters on this occasion. “This is only possible by shaping our lives in accordance with the golden principles of Islam and by shunning hatred, animosity, greed and malice. Moreover, we need to promote in our ranks love and affinity, tolerance, generosity and endurance,” he said.

Zardari prayed that may Allah Almighty bless everyone with real pleasure and bliss of Eid.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has urged the nation to work towards making Pakistan a hub of peace by refraining from anti-social activities, particularly extremism and sectarianism.

The prime minister, in his message, said, “Eid-ul-Fitr is a day of peace, tranquillity and harmony. Let us resolve to dedicate ourselves to spend our energies and resources for the welfare of humanity in accordance with Islamic teachings.”

The premier extended heartiest felicitations to the nation, the Muslim world and the overseas Pakistanis on Eid-ul-Fitr and said one should thank Allah Almighty for having the blessed opportunity to fast in Ramazan.

He said Eid-ul-Fitr is a reward bestowed by Allah Almighty on the Muslims for fasting during the holy month of Ramazan.

The prime minister said Eid-ul-Fitr is a manifestation of the sublime values of Islam, which fosters piety, selflessness, sacrifice, brotherhood and empathy among the Muslims. On this day, he said the Muslims reiterate their pledge to strengthen their relationship of brotherhood, love and tolerance by setting aside their internal differences.

He said Eid enjoins upon us to remember the less-privileged, destitute and poor segments of the society and share joys with them.

He said Eid-ul-Fitr is also an occasion for reiteration of the glorious lessons of Ramazan for the rest of the year.