The resilient nation is celebrating Eid al-Fitr on Saturday, marking the end of a month-long fast during Ramadan, with prayers to overcome the ongoing economic and constitutional crises in the country.
Coupled with external factors, Pakistan is facing one of its most difficult crises, which will further burden the people who are already suffering from skyrocketing inflation.
The day was celebrated with Eid prayers with sermons and large gatherings immediately after the Fajr prayer. People hugged each other after the prayer and expressed their love.
People were seen sporting their favorite outfits to mark the auspicious occasion, with some still holding back as the economic downturn dampened public spending power.
Ahead of Eid, retail sales in Pakistan saw a steeper decline than in previous years as shoppers sensed the highest inflation in decades, retailers said.
Inflation hit 35 percent in March, driven by currency devaluation, a return to subsidies, and the imposition of higher tariffs to secure a $1.1 billion bailout package from the IMF. .
Food inflation has soared to over 47 percent, and even the wealthy professional class is making lifestyle changes to cope with rising prices.
However, the government has shown its determination to pull the country out of the economic crisis as it has repeatedly claimed that an agreement with the IMF will be done soon, but no final date has been set.
But if that wasn’t enough, there is still uncertainty over the date of the elections – which were held on January 14 and 18 after the dissolution of the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assemblies respectively.
The political parties – the opposition and the government – have assured the Supreme Court that they will hold talks and reach a consensus on holding elections across the country on April 26 and inform the same the next day.
Do not turn religious and political differences into hatred
In his message to the nation on the special occasion, President Dr. Arif Alvi appealed to the countrymen not to let their communal, religious and political differences become a source of strife and hatred.
He said that in order to get out of the current situation facing the country, the people must adopt the process of forgiveness and follow the teachings of Allah and the Messenger of Allah.
While congratulating the entire Pakistani nation and the Islamic world on Eid-ul-Fitr, the President said that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has also advised us to be merciful and forgive others in order to obtain Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
He also urged the countrymen to play their role in leading the country towards political and economic stability. President Alvi also said that “Ramadan instills piety in us, it also makes us feel the suffering, hunger and pain of others.”
He added: “This feeling can be the basis for eradicating poverty and injustice from any society. We should pledge on the occasion of Eid that we will carry these qualities of piety and feeling with us throughout the year and in will play their part. Making the society prosperous,” said the President.
He said that as Pakistan is currently facing a difficult political and economic situation, people need to obey Allah’s commands to forgive others if they want Allah to forgive us on the Day of Judgment.
He prayed to Allah to accept “our fasts and prayers during Ramadan” and grant the country progress and prosperity.
‘Don’t forget flood victims’
In his message to the nation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the Islamic world including Pakistan on the occasion of Eid.
“I pray that this auspicious hour brings much joy and happiness in our lives,” the Prime Minister said in the statement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz further said that Eid is an opportunity for practical expression of the spirit of patience, contentment and consideration for others which have become a part of our lives through fasting and worship during the month of Ramadan.
“Have mercy on the poor, the needy, the orphans and the destitute around you. These are difficult times that require more than ever the sacrifice and love of the righteous. Share the joy of Eid with all those who are oppressed. difficulties.”
The Prime Minister said that the coalition government is making efforts to ensure that the minimum burden of economic hardship reaches the people.
“We are trying to provide as much relief as possible to the people. I am sure that Allah will deliver us from these trying times and people will return to their normal lives.”
The Prime Minister requested the nation not to forget the flood victims on the occasion of Eid and asked them to celebrate the occasion with them.
