ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will celebrate the year 1447 AH as the 1500th birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the federal government announced on Monday, with a series of events including an International Seerat Conference focused on the responsible use of social media.

The Seerat-un-Nabi Conference is Pakistan’s largest annual religious gathering dedicated to discussions on the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Organized each year by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, it coincides with the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, which Muslims commemorate as the month of the Prophet’s birth.

In Pakistan, the month of Rabi Al-Awwal 2025 will begin on Aug. 26 and the 12th of Rabi Al-Awwal, which is the date of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (the Prophet’s birthday), will fall on Sept. 6. This year’s edition of the Seerat conference carries added significance as it will be the 50th conference and part of nationwide observances to mark the 1500th year since the Prophet’s birth.

Speaking at a press briefing, Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousuf said the commemoration would be observed nationwide from 1st to 12th Rabi Al-Awwal as ‘Ashra Rahmatul-lil-Alameen,’ with the International Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) Conference in Islamabad bringing together government officials, religious scholars, diplomats and international delegates.

“This year’s conference theme is ‘State Responsibilities in Teaching and Training the Beneficial Use of Social Media,’ in the light of the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” he said.

“Selected scholarly articles on the subject have been compiled into a book to guide policymakers and the younger generation, with copies to be distributed to universities and public libraries.”

The minister said the celebrations were not only a spiritual milestone but also an opportunity to promote unity and harmony in society.

“This occasion is an expression of our resolve to shape the character of the new generation by following the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and to guide them toward using modern technology and social media for positive and constructive purposes,” he added.

Nationwide activities will include Seerat conferences, Na’at gatherings, competitions, seminars and awareness programs at schools and universities. A national Qur’an and Seerat Exhibition will also be held alongside the Islamabad conference, while a grand Na’at gathering is planned for the night of 11th Rabi Al-Awwal, according to Yousuf.

The religious affairs ministry has directed provincial governments, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to organize similar programs in their regions.

The minister appealed to citizens to fully participate in the Ashra Rahmatul-lil-Alameen activities, extend goodwill and charity to the poor, and especially support flood-affected communities.