Pakistan Celebrates Eid ul Adha With Prayers for Peace Amid Growing Middle East Tensions

By Sadia Khan :

Pakistanis across the country celebrated Eid ul Adha on Wednesday with religious devotion, family gatherings and prayers for peace, while many worshippers also expressed concern over the worsening conflict in the Middle East and ongoing tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

Large Eid congregations were held in mosques, Eidgahs and open grounds in major cities and rural areas alike, where thousands of worshippers offered special prayers in the early morning hours. Religious scholars used Eid sermons to emphasise the values of sacrifice, compassion, patience and unity associated with the occasion, urging people to support the poor and remember those affected by war, displacement and economic hardship.

Following prayers, families carried out the traditional sacrifice of animals in remembrance of the devotion and obedience shown by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS). Meat from the sacrifices was distributed among relatives, neighbours and underprivileged families as part of the religious tradition observed during the three-day festival.

Across cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar, markets and residential areas remained busy as people gathered with family members and prepared traditional Eid meals.

Special prayers were also offered for Pakistan’s economic stability, national security and social harmony, while worshippers prayed for Muslims facing violence and humanitarian crises in different parts of the world.

Many clerics specifically referred to the worsening situation in the Middle East during their sermons, expressing concern over the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Worshippers prayed for an end to hostilities and called for peace and stability across the region amid fears of broader regional escalation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Field Marshal Asim Munir issued separate Eid messages highlighting faith, sacrifice, national unity and compassion.

In his message to the nation, Shehbaz Sharif described Eid ul Adha as a reflection of timeless values including selflessness, faith and service to humanity. He urged citizens to share the happiness of Eid with those less fortunate and stressed the importance of solidarity during difficult economic and global circumstances.

The prime minister also expressed support for Muslims living in conflict zones, including Palestinians and residents of Indian-administered Kashmir, while praying for peace, justice and prosperity.

President Zardari said Eid ul Adha serves as a reminder of obedience to Allah, sincerity and sacrifice. He stressed that true success is measured not by wealth or power but through compassion, service and concern for others.

Quoting sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the president urged people to care for vulnerable members of society, including widows, orphans, labourers and low-income families, adding that the spirit of sacrifice remains incomplete without helping the needy.

He also called for unity, tolerance, dialogue and respect for the rule of law, saying Pakistan needed collective efforts to overcome political, economic and social challenges.

Separately, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, said the armed forces leadership extended Eid greetings to the nation and reaffirmed its commitment to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to the statement, Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with the chiefs of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy, paid tribute to the sacrifices of martyrs and their families, saying their contributions had strengthened the country’s foundations.

The statement added that Eid ul Adha symbolises unity, sacrifice and unwavering faith, values which remain central to the nation during times of internal and external challenges.

Security remained heightened in several cities during Eid prayers and public gatherings, with authorities deploying additional police and security personnel to ensure public safety during the holiday period.

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