President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Pakistan and Muslims around the world on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, urging them to carry forward the spirit of Ramazan in their daily lives. In his message on Eid-ul-Fitr (1st Shawwal 1447), the president said the festival was a reward for the prayers, patience, piety and sacrifice observed during the holy month of Ramazan. He said the occasion marked a new beginning of spiritual renewal through Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, coupled with a deepened sense of servitude to the Almighty. Quoting a verse from the Holy Quran, he highlighted that fasting was prescribed to attain righteousness, adding that the core message of Eid revolved around piety, self-accountability and moral purity. He also referred to a saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), noting that those who fast with faith and hope for reward are granted forgiveness. The president emphasized that the true success of Eid lay in translating the teachings of Ramazan into practical life. He stressed that values such as patience, tolerance, compassion, justice and brotherhood were essential for building both an ideal individual and a strong, united nation. Calling Eid-ul-Fitr a day to promote love, harmony and social cohesion, he urged people to share their happiness with the needy, orphans and underprivileged segments of society. He also called for renewed commitment to national unity, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law, terming the country’s development and stability a shared responsibility. He prayed for peace in the region and unity within the Muslim Ummah, expressing hope that Pakistan would continue to move forward with stability, consensus and prosperity. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his Eid message, described the occasion as a manifestation of Allah’s special mercy and boundless blessings. He said Muslims express gratitude to the Almighty for granting them the joy of Eid after a month of prayers and devotion, and prayed for the acceptance of their worship. He noted that Eid-ul-Fitr symbolized the reward for patience and perseverance, while also renewing the spirit of sacrifice, unity, service to humanity and collective responsibility. The prime minister urged the nation to share the joys of Eid with the less fortunate, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and social care. He also mentioned the government’s efforts during Ramazan, including the successful implementation of a digital wallet system to provide dignified financial assistance to vulnerable groups. Emphasizing unity and cooperation as the foundation of national progress, he said collective responsibility was key to ensuring Pakistan’s prosperity. Reflecting on global challenges, the prime minister expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza and other conflict-affected regions in the Middle East, saying their suffering underscored the urgent need for unity within the Muslim Ummah to promote justice, dignity and lasting peace. He concluded with prayers for global peace, stability and harmony, expressing hope that the spirit of Eid would strengthen values of justice, tolerance and brotherhood across the world.