ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi In his message to the nation on the special occasion appealed to the countrymen to not allow their sectarian, religious and political differences to become a source of strife and hatred. 

He said in order to get out of the current situation facing the country, the people needed to adopt the practice of forgiving and follow the teachings of Allah and Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The president, who congratulated the entire Pakistani nation and Islamic world on Eid ul Fitr, said the Holy Prophet (PBUH) also exhorted us to show mercy and forgive others to seek the mercy and forgiveness of Allah.

He also urged the countrymen to play their part in moving the country towards political and economic stability. President Alvi also said, “While Ramadan creates piety in us, it also makes us realise the sufferings, hunger, and distress of others.”

He added: "This realisation can be the basis for eradicating poverty and injustice from any society. We should make a pledge on this occasion of Eid that we will carry these qualities of piety, and realisation with us throughout the year and play our role in making society prosperous," the president remarked.

He said as Pakistan currently faces a difficult political and economic situation, the people needed to abide by the commandments of Allah to forgive others if they want God to be forgiving to us on the Day of Resurrection.

He prayed to Allah to accept “our fasts and prayers during Ramadan” and grant the country progress and prosperity.

In his message to the nation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the Muslim world — including Pakistan — on the occasion of Eid.

"I pray that this auspicious hour brings lots of joy and happiness to our lives," the premier said in the statement.

PM Shehbaz went on to say that Eid is an opportunity for the practical expression of the spirit of patience, contentment, and consideration for others that have become part of our lives from the fasting and worship of God in the month of Ramadan.

"Show mercy to the needy, the needy, the orphans and the destitute around you. This is a difficult period in which the sacrifice and love of pious people are needed more than usual. Share the joy of Eid with all those who are oppressed by hardships."

The premier said the coalition government is putting efforts into ensuring that the minimum burden of economic difficulties reaches the people.

"We are striving to provide relief to people as much as possible. I believe that Allah will rescue us from these testing times and people will return to their routine lives."