Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the people of Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir as the nation celebrates the Eid Al-Adha festival, his office said in a statement on Wednesday.
Eid Al-Adha Celebrations in Pakistan
Muslims in Pakistan and around the world are marking Eid Al-Adha, which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Special prayers were held in mosques across the country as families performed the ritual sacrifice of cattle.
In his message for the occasion, Sharif urged citizens to remember the underprivileged and share the joys of Eid with those in need. “Let us reaffirm our commitment to unity, brotherhood, and service to humanity,” he wrote.
He added: “We also stand in unwavering solidarity with our oppressed brothers and sisters in Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir.”
Military's Statement on Eid
The military's media wing issued a separate statement, saying Eid Al-Adha symbolizes sacrifice, faith, and solidarity. “The Pakistan Armed Forces remain steadfast in their sacred duty to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country and stand shoulder to shoulder with the nation in pursuit of peace and stability,” it said.
Pakistan's Consistent Support for Palestine
Pakistan has consistently voiced its support for Palestinians since Israel began its military operations on October 7, 2023. According to international media reports, over 900 people have been killed since a fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel took effect in October last year.
Diplomatic Engagements
On Tuesday night, Prime Minister Sharif spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to exchange Eid greetings. The two leaders discussed Pakistan's mediation efforts in the Iran war, as well as trade and investment cooperation. Sharif wrote on X: “We agreed to further accelerate our cooperation in trade, investment, and regional connectivity, while continuing our close coordination for peace, stability, and dialogue in the region.”
He added: “Pakistan and Türkiye remain united in the fight against terrorism and in our shared pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity.”
