ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wished the South Asian nation and the Muslim world on the Eid Al-Fitr holiday which began today, Wednesday, reminding them not to forget the people of Palestine as they celebrated.
Six months into Israel’s air and ground campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, the devastated enclave faces the risk of widespread famine and disease with nearly all its inhabitants now homeless.
Palestinian health authorities say more than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war so far.
“I also urge Muslims around the world to remember their Palestinian and Kashmiri brothers and sisters who are facing the worst kind of atrocities of the occupation forces and they will be constrained to enjoy the joys of Eid. We all pray to Almighty Allah to ease their difficulties,” Sharif said in a statement to the nation on Eid Al-Fitr, the feast that ends Islam’s fasting lunar month of Ramadan.
“May the underlying meaning and significance of Islam spread among us all as a guide to the emancipation of humanity and may the world be filled with peace and harmony.”
Muslim devotees offer special morning prayers to start the Eid al-Fitr festival, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Peshawar on April 10, 2024. (AFP)
Israel’s military assault on Gaza has displaced nearly all its 2.3 million population and led to genocide allegations that Israel denies.
“While we enjoy the celebratory delight of this great occasion, we must not forget the least fortunate among us,” PM Sharif said. “I appeal to you to help those around you who deserve our support so that they could also share the joys of this occasion.”
A man takes his family group photograph after offering Eid al-Fitr prayers, marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Karachi on April 10, 2024. (AFP)
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari also mentioned Palestine in his Eid message.
“On behalf of the Pakistan nation, I want to give the message to the oppressed Muslims of Gaza and Palestine that the whole Pakistani nation express solidarity with you,” the president said.
“We impress upon the international community to ensure immediate peace in Gaza and provision of assistance to the Palestinians. The oppression, barbarity and genocide by Israel is the gravest violation of human rights.”
Muslim girls display their hands painted with henna in traditional patterns to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, in Peshawar, Pakistan, on April 10, 2024. (AP)
