President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday called for greater unity and brotherhood among Muslims as the country marked Eidul Fitr in “testing times”.

In his post on X, PM Shehbaz wrote: “Even as we celebrate Eid with gratitude and joy, our hearts remain heavy for the people of Gaza and Kashmir, as well as our brothers and sisters affected by the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East and the region.

“Today, more than ever, we need greater unity within the Ummah so that we may collectively uphold justice, dignity, and lasting peace for all. At a moment of uncertainty and instability, our greatest strength lies in unity,” he said.

The premier extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of Pakistan and Muslims around the world, noting that the day “reminds us of the enduring values of compassion, unity and generosity that lie at the heart of our faith”.

“On this auspicious occasion, we are also reminded of the strength and responsibility of the Muslim Ummah — bound together by shared faith, common values, and a collective duty to stand united in times of both joy and trial. In these testing times, what divides us is small and what unites us is far greater,” PM Shehbaz observed.

He urged people to “remember those less fortunate and reaffirm our resolve to build a more just, inclusive, and prosperous Pakistan”.

“May this Eid deepen the spirit of brotherhood within the Muslim Ummah and inspire us to work together for the well-being of humanity. May Allah Almighty accept our Ibadaat [worship] and bless Pakistan, the Muslim Ummah, and the world with peace, stability, and prosperity,” he prayed.

PM Shehbaz offered the Eid prayers in Lahore, with his sons Hamza and Suleman, as well as Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, accompanying him.

‘Unity of the Muslim Ummah remains intact,’ prays president

Meanwhile, President Zardari also extended his heartfelt felicitations to the nation and urged people to carry forward Ramazan’s spirit of patience and piety.

“This day reminds us that true success lies in applying the teachings of Ramazan in our practical lives. Patience, tolerance, compassion, justice and brotherhood are the values that form the foundation of not only an ideal individual but also a strong and united nation,” he stressed.

The president prayed that may Allah Almighty “enable us to confront the troubles in the region in such a way that the unity of the Muslim Ummah remains intact and peace prevails throughout the world”.

“I pray that Allah Almighty may accept our prayers, bless Pakistan with peace, security and stability and grant us the ability to move forward with unity and consensus. Amen!” he added.

President Zardari urged the nation to renew “commitment to national unity, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law”. He noted that the development, stability and prosperity of Pakistan were the “shared responsibility of all of us”.

He emphasised: “Eidul Fitr is a day to promote mutual love, brotherhood and social harmony. It encourages us to share our joys with the needy, orphans and deprived classes around us and to strengthen the sense of responsibility in society.

‘True spirit of Eid lies in the honour of serving the motherland’

On behalf of the armed forces, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu extended their “heartiest Eidul Fitr greetings to all Pakistanis”.

A press release issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) read: “Eid reflects the enduring values of unity, compassion, and gratitude. For armed forces of Pakistan, the true spirit of Eid lies in the honour of serving and defending the motherland, even away from their families, to ensure peace and security for the nation.”

The armed forces paid tribute to the “courage and sacrifices of the brave men and women safeguarding Pakistan” and acknowledged the unwavering support of their families.

“May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and blessings to Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah,” the statement added.

Strict security arrangements

Strict security arrangements were in place as Eid congregations were held at open places, mosques, and Eidgahs.

A Karachi Police spokesperson said a total of 12,145 police officers and personnel have been deployed under a comprehensive security plan across the metropolis, APP reported.

In Islamabad, the police ensured foolproof security arrangements for Eidul Fitr prayers across the federal capital, deploying over 7,000 officers and personnel, APP stated.

It further quoted Punjab Inspector General Abdul Kareem as saying that over 47,000 officers and officials have been deployed to ensure security at more than 29,000 Eid congregations across the province.