Unite against extremism, Pak leaders ask nation on Eid

Karachi - Heads of political parties recall sacrifices rendered by troops

Eid Al Fitr was celebrated throughout the country with religious fervour on Saturday.
Eid congregations were held at open places, mosques and Eidgahs in all major cities of the country.
According to Dawn newspaper, prayer leaders in their sermons highlighted the significance and philosophy of Eid Al Fitr. Prayers were also offered for security, progress and prosperity of the country.
Political leaders of the nation greeted the citizens and in their Eid messages called upon the people to unite and fight extremism till its logical end.
In their separate messages both the president and the prime minister called for promoting unity among the citizens and creating harmony and the spirit of sacrifice.
President Mamnoon Hussain said: "I pray to Almighty Allah to enable us to follow the true teachings of Islam and turn our dear country into a cradle of peace and development, cleanse Pakistan's territory from all kinds of extremism and bless us with His bounties and benevolence."
In his address Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said: "We must be cognizant of the sacrifices rendered by our valiant armed forces that are steadfastly and successfully defending the national objective of security and peace of our country."
The premier said that we must remember our martyrs who have sacrificed their lives so that the nation lives in peace and tranquility.
"We must bear in mind the travails experienced by the Pakistanis displaced from North Waziristan who will be constrained to celebrate Eid in their camps," he added.
Pakistan People's Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari remembered the martyrs of Army Public School Peshawar.
"On this Eid day, our thoughts go out to the martyrs of APS Peshawar who were brutally gunned down by extremists on December 16, as well as to the survivors and to their families."
Bilawal said, "We salute these young martyrs. They are our national heroes and heroines. Their courage and supreme sacrifice united the nation like never before in the fight against militancy. We owe it to their memory to take the fight to the door of the enemy and exterminate them from our midst."
PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari felicitated Muslims throughout country on Eid Al Fitr. He called upon the nation not to give in to the extremists and militants and those who exploit the name of religion for their own ends.
"Eid is also an occasion of festivity and celebration. On this festive occasion let us also not forget the poor and the needy," he said.
Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq in his Eid message asked the rich people to adopt austerity on Eid and avoid unnecessary spending and other un-Islamic practices.
He also urged them to share their joy with the poor and the helpless people.