PM dedicates Eidul Azha to Kashmiris

PM, top politicians to celebrate Eid in country

ISLAMABAD: Dedicating this year’s Eidul Azha to the endless sacrifices of Kashmiris, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has pledged to “dedicate all coming Eids to the people of [Indian-controlled] Kashmir till the dispute is resolved in accordance with their wishes”.

“On this day of Eid, we cannot forget the sacrifices of the people of Kashmir too. The people of Kashmir, facing Indian atrocities, have sacrificed their third generation to achieve their right to self-determination.

“We dedicate this Eid to the endless sacrifices of Kashmiri people and will continue to dedicate all coming Eids to the Kashmiris till the issue of Kashmir is resolved in accordance with their wishes,” the prime minister said in his message on the occasion of Eidul Azha.



“The sacrifice of individuals keeps society and nation alive. This is the lesson which is given through sacrifice,” he said.



The PM extended hearty felicitations to all the Muslims residing in Pakistan and in the whole world, particularly, the Kashmiri people and thanked Allah Almighty, Who once again blessed them with this felicitous occasion.

Greeting the nation on Eidul Azha, President Mamnoon Hussain urged the people to join the efforts of armed forces and law enforcement agencies for elimination of terrorism and revival of peace to pave way for peace and prosperity.

The president said amid the celebrations of this festival, “we should also remember our brothers and sisters who became victims of terrorism, and share their grief”.

Breaking with the past, the political elite, including Premier Nawaz, would be celebrating Eidul Azha in the country. Sources in his office said the premier would be celebrating Eid in his Raiwind mansion and added that he was scheduled to leave for Lahore sometime on Monday.

Sources in the PML-N told The Express Tribune that 66 goats would be sacrificed in Raiwind as ‘Sadqa’ (charity). Reportedly, the Sharif family is arranging this occasion as ‘thanksgiving’ following Nawaz’s recovery from an open heart surgery in London in June.

Although, the PML-N leaders refused to officially speak on the ‘thanksgiving’ ceremony, some party stalwarts confirmed this development, requesting not to be named.



Other political leaders and government functionaries -- most of whom spent Eid last year abroad -- would be spending this Eid at home. They include Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Sirajul Haq, PAT chief Allama Tahirul Qadri, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and others.

President Mamnoon was also in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah on Eidul Fitr. He would also be celebrating this Eid there after performing Hajj.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan spent some part of last Eid at his Lahore home. But shortly thereafter, he left for London to visit his sons. He would be celebrating this Eid in Pakistan reportedly by splitting time between his residence at Bani Gala and Lahore.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 13^th, 2016.