President Asif Ali Zardari has stressed to fight negative elements supporting terrorism and sectarianism in the society, and called for promoting mutual harmony as emphasised by Islam. In his message to the nation on Eid-ul-Fitr, President Zardari said sectarianism, terrorism and militant activities are the cruel acts based on ignorance, and are totally against the spirit of Islamic teachings.
"We have to fight the propaganda of negative elements by logically promoting the great teachings of Islam. We have to project mutual harmony, love and fraternity," he said. The President said this would help create a society which will not only mitigate the social problems, but also act as a role model in accordance with Islam.
He urged for making corrections to ones own actions and becoming conscious to national integrity, which was dire need of the hour. "The government aims at devising such democratic policies in all areas of life that ensure the qualities of national determination, mutual harmony and unity, which may also correlates with the requirements of advanced world," he said.
On the special day of Eid-ul-Fitr, the President said he felt very much honoured in giving his first message to the nation being the elected President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. "This Eid-ul-Fitr, is the first Eid of the newly elected and democratic government that has been established after a long struggle."
The President said hours after the start of the government's first parliamentary year on September 20, 2008 (19th of Ramazan ul Mubarak), some enemies of humanity, Islam and the country tried to damage the rising image of state by carrying out a terrible suicide blast in Islamabad.
The incident was an unfortunate step to malign the religion which preaches peace, humanity and harmony, and gave a sorrowful colour to the Eid, he said. Zardari said on this Eid, we should remember those who were martyred in suicide blasts and pray for their elevated rankings in the world hereafter. "We should also not forget about the sacrifices of Shaheed-e-Jamhooriat Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and other Shaheeds for upholding democracy," he said.
President Zardari said Eid-ul-Fitr is a day to express gratitude before Allah Almighty for his blessings at the end of Ramazan ul Mubarak, which can be better done by following His true, glowing and balanced teachings. This is the righteous way, which leads to the reverence in the world hereafter and closeness with Allah Almighty, he said.
The President said, "we should also strive for developing great human values, besides seeking the benediction of Allah Almighty." "On this day, we should not only involve poor, needy and destitute in the joys of Eid but also aim for the projection of democratic values, welfare of common man and prosperity of country on sustainable basis.
This is the voice of the time," he said. President Zardari prayed to Allah Almighty to protect all, give prosperity to Pakistan and make Eid a source of blessing for the success of both religion and the world.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has urged the nation to keep united on all issues of national importance and support the democratically elected government in its efforts for the country's prosperity. In his message to the nation, the Prime Minister said: "We can prove ourselves before the world as an alive nation that has full determination, unity and oneness."