Eid ul-Fitr is being celebrated across Pakistan with religious devotion, respect and enthusiasm, as thousands of people gathered at mosques and Eidgahs early in the morning to offer Eid prayers.

In Karachi, Eid prayers were first offered at the Sabil Wali Mosque. Large congregations were also held at the Faisal Mosque in the federal capital, Islamabad, and the historic Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, attended by government, political and social figures.

Eid prayer gatherings were also held in other cities, including Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Hyderabad and Sukkur, where worshippers offered prayers and thanked Allah.

After the prayers, special supplications were made for the security, progress and prosperity of the country, as well as for unity among the Muslim Ummah and peace across the world.

Strict security arrangements were put in place for the occasion. Police and other law enforcement agencies were deployed around mosques and Eidgahs to ensure citizens could offer prayers safely.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended Eid greetings to the nation.

In his message, Zardari said Eid-ul-Fitr reflects Allah’s reward after patience and perseverance, adding that the day renews the spirit of sacrifice, unity, service to humanity and collective responsibility.

He urged people to include the weak and deserving in their celebrations.

Sharif said the government had completed a digital wallet system during Ramadan to provide dignified financial assistance to the needy.

He also noted that the nation’s thoughts are with people affected by ongoing conflicts in Gaza and the wider Middle East, stressing the need for greater unity within the Muslim world.

Across the country, scenes of joy, worship and solidarity were witnessed as people greeted each other and shared the celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr.