President General Pervez Musharraf has urged the countrymen to follow the true spirit of Islamic teachings that foster peace and mutual co-existence and reject terrorism and sectarianism as abominable and heinous crimes.
"The real aim of Islamic teachings is to open the avenues of peace and justice for all human beings, to eliminate the darkness of oppression, which surely are not liked by Allah Almighty," he said in a message at the commencement of the holy month of Ramazan.
The president said Islam is the religion of peace and mutual co-existence and ensures continuation of struggle for peace and tranquility, welfare of humanity and mutual tolerance and brotherhood.
"Terrorism, oppression, violence and sectarianism are regarded as abominable and heinous crimes in Islam," he added.
He urged every Muslim to avoid these acts as the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) says "Facilitate people and don't create difficulties for them. Tell them good news and save them from hatred and narrow-mindedness."
He congratulated the nation and the Muslim Ummah on the commencement of Ramazan.
Fasting, he said, teaches us self-control and inculcates the spirit of patience and contentment to get rid of materialist desires, greed and lust.
He prayed that may Allah Almighty enable us, in the light of real and lofty teachings of Islam, to observe fast, recite Holy Quran and transform our hearts and minds towards the objectives, which are taught by Islam and ought to be practiced in the true letter and spirit during Ramazan.
In a separate message, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz urged the nation to shun extremism and intolerance and promote virtues of discipline, unity, tolerance and sacrifice for an enlightened and moderate Pakistan.
The prime minister vowed to root out the scourge of terrorism and sectarianism from the country. He urged the nation to join hands and confront those inciting hatred and sectarianism in the society.
He said Pakistan was created to establish an enlightened and moderate welfare society where everyone was free to perform their religious and worldly obligations.
"We should always keep this objective in view and ensure that our deeds are in accordance with the teachings of Islam."
The holy month of Ramazan, he said, brings blessings for the Muslims every year and those who are fortunate can seek Allah's blessings during the month.
"We should bow our heart and thank Almighty Allah for giving us this opportunity to reap the blessings of this holy month," Shaukat said.
Prime Minister said fasting was made mandatory during the month so as to inculcate piousness and self-righteous among the Muslims.
He said the holy month of Ramazan has an added importance as Pakistan was created on the 27th of Ramazan-ul-Mubarak, with the blessings of Allah Almighty.
He urged the nation to keep in view the principles on which the country was created and to work for a society, where everyone is fully aware of his rights and duties.
"I pray to Allah Almighty for his blessings during the holy month of Ramazan and to give us the opportunity to follow the true path of Islamic teachings."