Pakistan celebrated Eid-i-Miladun Nabi with great religious fervour, as political leaders urged the nation to uphold the principles of unity and tolerance taught by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). On this day, the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet, functionaries declared the entire nation a public holiday.
The day started with 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in all provincial capitals as a mark of gravity of the function, reported Radio Pakistan.
Leaders Advise Nation to be United and CaringPresident Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly congratulated the nation and prayed that the nation could emulate the lessons of the Holy Prophet to face the prevalent problems being faced by the country.
President Zardari reminded the nation that great importance should be given to propagate love and benevolence as done during his lifetime by the Holy Prophet. He further elaborated that a just society must be created whereby all persons, irrespective of their status in society, could lead their lives with dignity.
President Zardari said: “The Holy Prophet taught his followers to stand against oppression and support marginalized groups. Today, as the world faces division and oppression, we must spread his message of love, tolerance, and human rights”.
Embodying similar views, Prime Minister stated that the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet were a “beacon of light” for all of humanity. He, therefore, called upon the nation to remember the oppressed people around the world, especially Palestine and Kashmir and stand united for values of love and brotherhood in overcoming the challenges of economy and society.
Special Prayers and National Seerat Conference
Part of the day included special prayers after the Fajr prayer for the unity of the Muslim Ummah and the prosperity of Pakistan. Salient amongst the feature of the day was the National Seerat Conference being organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in Islamabad, for which Radio Pakistan was telecasting live. The events of the conference were attended by many eminent figures including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
Urging Education System ReformsDeputy PM Ishaq Dar addressed the Seerat Conference. He said that along with modern scientific knowledge, religious knowledge also needs to be incorporated in the reformed education system based on the teachings of the Holy Prophet. This imbalance-less education system will play a pivotal role for Pakistan’s youth to compete and flourish in the gifting of the new world.
He further mentioned that a matter of great concern is that moral degradation is taking place at a rapid pace over social media and, therefore, building character and imparting ethical values should also be included in our educational systems.Planned Milad Processions and Security Arrangements
Milad processions were organized in various cities. Ulema stressed following the teachings and Sunnah of Holy Prophet (PBUH). Colored lights could be seen at all streets, mosques, and buildings as if people were celebrating.
There were strict security arrangements all over the country, and particularly in Karachi; and the police had specially installed control rooms there to monitor the principal processions. More than 10,000 officers and personnel had been deployed in Lahore, and similar deployments were seen across other provinces to ensure security for the processions.
In Islamabad alone, more than 2,000 officials were deployed to join the central rally starting from G-7 Jamia Masjid Al Raza along the traditional route.
When the events were being celebrated, the government and the religious leaders appealed to the nation to come out united and promote the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
