Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW) was celebrated on Sunday with religious zeal and fervour. Rallies were taken out and congregations were held to mark the day.

Ulema and scholars addressed the gatherings across the country as cities and towns were tastefully decorated to celebrate the event in a befitting manner.

The day dawned with special prayers for development, peace, unity and brotherhood among the followers of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as well as a 31-gun salute in the Federal Capital and 21-gun salutes at the provincial headquarters.

It was a public holiday and special security arrangements were made to maintain law and order across the country on this occasion.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan and other leaders issued separate messages in connection with the day.

They urged the Ummah and the Pakistani nation to forge unity as taught by the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) to fight the present day challenges.

Quran Khawani was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr and prayers were offered for solidarity and salvage of the Ummah and the Pakistani nation.

Main event of the day was the annual National Seerat Conference where Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani reiterated that peace and security in the world can only be attained by following the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

The Prime Minister said the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is the only way for a better life in this world and hereafter and urged to follow his teachings of tolerance, understanding and respect for humanity.

He said the entire life of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) is a beacon and worthy of emulation by all as his personality is characterised by attributes of sympathy, generosity, bravery, mercifulness and hospitality.

Emphasising on human dignity, brotherhood and indiscriminate welfare, the prime minister said the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is a perfect and practical interpretation of the Holy Quran and Allah Almighty has endowed the title of ‘Compassion for all the Worlds’ on the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

The prime minister said Islam presents an excellent code of life as it is founded on the principles of Sovereignty of Allah Almighty, brotherhood, equality and respect for humanity.

He also mentioned the Islamic concept of reconciliation as an important tool to find solutions of problems without war, aggression and tussle and with consensus and mutual understanding.

Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah also emphasised reconciliatory approach for combating internal and external issues confronting the country.

He congratulated the nation on this occasion and urged the people to follow teachings of Islam to promote love, respect, harmony and happiness.

The conference culminated with the address of Chairman Senate Farooq H Naek to the concluding session, who urged the Ummah to follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and stand united against all odds.

Selected Ulema and scholars highlighted various aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), urging to follow golden principles of Islam to achieve success in the world and hereafter.

Best article writers from across the country were awarded cash prizes and certificates in recognition of their contribution in highlighting the teachings of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) had made comprehensive arrangements for celebrating the Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW) and illuminated main buildings like Parliament House, Cabinet Block, Secretariat buildings, Foreign Office, Jinnah Convention Centre, CDA Chairman Office, Fire Birgade Headquarters and Old Navel Headquarters.

A number of other buildings and mosques were also illuminated by the people themselves.

The CDA had also announced closure of Sunday weekly bazaars in G-6, G-10 and H-9 sectors.

Newspapers and magazines published special supplements, while television channels and radio stations arranged special ‘Naatia Mushairas’ and quiz programmes on Seerat-e-Mustafa (PBUH).
Mehfil -e-Milad were held across the country and actively participated by a large number of people.

Special security arrangements were made in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar and other major cities and towns across the country to thwart any unpleasent incident.

Conferences were also held at provincial, divisional and district headquarters to pay respect and homage to the Last Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

For the faithfuls, Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW) is a highly regarded religious festival as they express gratitude and thanks to Allah Almighty for blessing the universe with Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him).